BACKGROUNDRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) are a worldwide issue associated with increasing development and motorization. However, statistical studies do not include any analyses of Beijing's geriatric population. Using data from the Beijing Emergency Medical Center, we present the main characteristics of traffic injuries involving the elderly in Beijing. We also provide objective information for those concerned with the safety of traffic systems and the prevention of traffic injuries.

METHODSIn a longitudinal, retrospective study, data were collected on 1706 victims aged 65 years and older who sustained traffic injuries in Beijing between 2004 and 2010. Personal information, time of injury event, emergency care response time, road user type, striking vehicle type, injury site, and severity of injury were analyzed using χ(2) tests and Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSThe annual rate of traffic injuries was 21.80 per 100 000 elderly people in Beijing, and the morbidity rate decreased from 2004 to 2010 (P < 0.001). The mean age was (72.92 ± 5.67) years, and 911 (53.40%) of the victims were male. The majority of victims sustained head and lower limb injuries and were classified as being of medium severity. Traffic collisions occurred most frequently in the daytime excluding rush hours; these collisions included being hit by a car (85.64%) and pedestrian victim injuries (79.19%). Our statistical analysis found three factors for injury severity: abdominal injuries (P < 0.001), number of injury sites (P = 0.027), and head injuries (P = 0.034). The decline in traffic injuries is due to a decrease in victims aged 65-74 years and pedestrians; the severity of RTIs also decreased.

CONCLUSIONSThis study highlights the declining trend in traffic injuries among older adults in Beijing. However, traffic injuries remain a serious public health problem for the elderly and effective measures are required to reduce their incidence.