Rollator related pedestrian single accidents and collision events in Sweden

Rollators (four-wheel walkers in USA; zimmer frames UK) are commonly used as mobility aids for the elderly and people with a variety of disabilities. Pedestrian rollator users sub-group Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), although this group is rarely recognised traffic safety contexts. The aim study to extract analyse related pedestrian accident injury data Sweden. results will provide valuable insight into risks obstacles exposed environment may long term contribute improving group. current based on from 2,020 accidents involving 2,305 persons extracted Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition (STRADA) database. For consistency reasons, subset (N = 745) was analysed order investigate development over period 10 years. Thereafter, each whole set registered either single or collision. show that number Sweden increased by approximately 80% during 2007–2016. Females dominate statistics accidents, collisions, well fatal outcome, which be due exposure and/or differences physical characteristics. Single much more common than collisions (n=1,668 n=352, respectively) consequences at least serious. present have revealed frequency minor injuries (ISS 1–3) 4.3 times, moderate 4–8) 6.0 times serious 9–15) 8.9 higher collisions. Fatal are, however, collision events (33 comparison 8). vast majority (99%) falls. Many (29%) were caused ground level (typically curb) surface conditions (19%). Collisions involved cars, trucks buses 91% cases, occurring predominantly car parks (31%) (zebra) crossings (30%). In 54% cases vehicles reversed rollator. Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 3+ dominated head (36%) torso (33%) events, hip fractures (71%) accidents. shows further research user both required. introduce appropriate measures, future work should follow up developments improve quality aid general. Improved stability design, proper training programmes, effective maintenance services, supporting infrastructure would users.