Safety education of pedestrians for injury prevention: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

ObjectivesTo quantify the effectiveness of safety education of pedestrians.DesignSystematic review of randomised controlled trials of safety education programmes for pedestrians of all ages.ResultsWe identified 15 randomised controlled trials of safety education programmes for pedestrians. Fourteen trials targeted children, and one targeted institutionalised adults. None assessed the effect of safety education on the occurrence of pedestrian injury, but six trials assessed its effect on behaviour. The effect of pedestrian education on behaviour varied considerably across studies and outcomes.ConclusionsPedestrian safety education can change observed road crossing behaviour, but whether this reduces the risk of pedestrian injury in road traffic crashes is unknown. There is a lack of good evidence of effectiveness of safety education for adult pedestrians, specially elderly people. None of the trials was conducted in low or middle income countries.

What is already known on this topic

Road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death and disablement, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable road usersSeveral organisations strongly recommend road safety educationAs resources are limited, a key question concerns the relative effectiveness of different prevention strategies, including road safety education of pedestrians

What this study adds

This systematic review showed safety education for pedestrians could improve children''s knowledge and change their observed road crossing behaviourHowever, effects on pedestrian injury were unknownThere is a lack of good evidence of effectiveness of safety education for adult pedestrians, especially elderly people, and in low and middle income countries