Examining Pedestrian Crash Frequency and Environmental Factors for Three Subgroups of the Older Adult Population: a Micro-Level Analysis

Introduction: Pedestrian safety has become a critical concern with the rising global population of older adults. Older pedestrians face higher crash risks due to age-related physical limitations, yet road infrastructure often fails to address their specific needs. Most studies treat older adults as a single group, overlooking variations in mobility and behavior. Also, few studies have included micro-level environmental variables (such as points of interest) and spatial models. Method: This study categorizes older adults into three age groups and analyzes 783 pedestrian crashes at intersections in Taipei City. We identify key environmental factors influencing crash frequency using a Geographically Weighted Negative Binomial Regression (GWNBR) model. Results: Results show that intersections with more motorcycles or a higher number of nearby restaurants are associated with increased pedestrian crashes across all older adults. However, risk factors vary by age group: subway stations and supermarkets contribute to crashes among the young-old (65-74) and middle-old (75-84), while nursing homes are linked to higher crash rates for the oldest-old (85+). Additionally, shorter signal cycles pose a greater risk for the oldest old due to slower walking speeds. Practical applications: These findings highlight the need for age-specific safety measures, such as adjusted signal timing and improved pedestrian facilities near high-risk locations.