Attached
Objectives: To identify individual and environmental risks related to road traffic accidents(RTA) among elc
(>60years) and disabled people (>5years living with physical, sensory or mobility impairment) in Monera
district.
Methods: Study was designed as community based participatory research. Participants were vulnerable road i
(elderly and disabled). Eight focus group discussions (8-10 in each) were conducted with elderly and disable
identify local and regional destinations that were most important to access, perceived risks related to RTA
needs/suggestions for road safety. Participants were encouraged to photograph the environment barriers
facilitators for road safety. ‘Photovoice’ is increasingly used as valuable adjunct in participatory research-a v
better heard through.
Results: Frequently visited places identified by older people were the hospital, temple, village houses, commi
hall and bank. For disabled it varied by age, as vocational training centre, special needs school and community
Mostly used travel modes were public bus, three wheeled-vehicles or walking. Transportation barriers for the elc
were identified as poor road conditions, lack of disability-friendly transportation system, financial constraints
negative human factors. Disabled found accessibility to public places a major barrier. These facts were supporte
photographs. Suggestions for improvement included awareness programs among people involved in transporta
cost effective transportation modes, mass media acknowledgments of rights of elderly and disabled, more effes
legislation and improved road infrastructure.
Conclusions: It is evident that many places the study population frequently travels are located in the city. They
many risks when travelling to these destinations. It is proposed to improve road conditions, modify mode
transportation, rigorous law enforcement and awareness programs among public to minimize the road related
faced by disabled and elderly.
