Question 7762
Although the total number of pedestrians struck is lower, proportionally more pedestrians die in traffic accidents on roads outside built-up areas than on urban roads. Why is this?
- Because vehicles travel at higher speeds on roads outside built-up areas.
- Because cyclists are counted as pedestrians for statistical purposes.
- Because most pedestrians struck on roads outside built-up areas are hit in good weather.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because vehicles travel at higher speeds on roads outside built-up areas.
Vehicles travel much faster on roads outside built-up areas than in cities, and higher speeds mean a harder impact. That is why fewer pedestrians are struck outside built-up areas, but more die per collision. Being struck at more than 55 km/h usually has very serious consequences. Cyclists are not counted as pedestrians in the statistics, and good weather does not explain the severity.