Older pedestrians at risk of getting hit

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - December 11, 2008 A Tri-State Transportation Campaign study finds the state had a higher fatality rate for senior pedestrians than the rest of the country between 2005 and 2007.

Seniors represent 12.2 percent of the population, but they accounted for 22 percent of the fatalities.

Using federal highway traffic safety data, the group says Atlantic County was the most dangerous in terms of the senior population compared to the number killed. Eight of the 38 pedestrians killed in the county during the two-year period were 65 or older.

The group recommends banning right turns at red lights at busy intersections and timing lights to give seniors more time to cross.

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