Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Based on our topic modelling study of road safety literature for older EU road users, we have identified several critical challenges that disproportionately affect the ageing population. First, older pedestrians and cyclists face significantly higher fatality rates due to frailty and vulnerability, especially in urban environments lacking safe infrastructure. Our findings highlight the urgent need for age-friendly design, including 30 km/h zones, improved crosswalks, and well-maintained sidewalks.
Second, while targeted driver training (cognitive, visual, and simulator-based) can reduce crash risk by up to 30%, these programs remain small-scale, methodologically inconsistent, and underfunded. Third, although technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offer safety benefits, they are underutilized by older drivers due to usability barriers.
We also address a key policy issue: the tension between safety and mobility. Arbitrary age-based licensing restrictions risk undermining elderly independence. Evidence-based, functional fitness-to-drive assessments are needed.
Lastly, our study reveals major gaps in research concerning emerging mobility modes (e.g., e-bikes, scooters) and underserved populations like older pedestrians. By applying a novel machine learning approach across multiple databases, we mapped these gaps and proposed evidence-driven solutions in infrastructure, education, vehicle technology, and licensing policy, aligned with EU Vision Zero goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety
Second, while targeted driver training (cognitive, visual, and simulator-based) can reduce crash risk by up to 30%, these programs remain small-scale, methodologically inconsistent, and underfunded. Third, although technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offer safety benefits, they are underutilized by older drivers due to usability barriers.
We also address a key policy issue: the tension between safety and mobility. Arbitrary age-based licensing restrictions risk undermining elderly independence. Evidence-based, functional fitness-to-drive assessments are needed.
Lastly, our study reveals major gaps in research concerning emerging mobility modes (e.g., e-bikes, scooters) and underserved populations like older pedestrians. By applying a novel machine learning approach across multiple databases, we mapped these gaps and proposed evidence-driven solutions in infrastructure, education, vehicle technology, and licensing policy, aligned with EU Vision Zero goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety