Elderly people may take longer to react to situations on the road because their sensory and motor abilities decline with age. Therefore, it is important for them to develop good habits of following traffic rules to reduce the risk of road accidents. Here are some road safety tips for the elderly to consider:

Things to Consider When Going Out

• Assess your physical condition before going out. If you are feeling unwell, it is best to stay home.
• If necessary, wear glasses and hearing aids to ensure clear vision and hearing of traffic conditions.
• Try to minimise the number of items you carry to maintain stability while walking.
• Choose brightly coloured and reflective clothing to increase visibility to drivers.

Key Rules for Crossing the Road

1. First, select a safe location to cross the road and wait.
   -Preferably, choose locations with pedestrian crossing facilities such as footbridges, subways, 'Green Man' traffic light or 'Zebra' crossings.
   -If there are no designated crossing facilities nearby, choose a safe spot where you can clearly see the approaching vehicles.
2. Before crossing the road, stand on the pavement a little way back from the kerb, but not too close to the edge of the pavement. This way, you can avoid being hit by passing vehicles but can still see if there is an approaching vehicle.
3. Look around and listen carefully; pay attention to vehicles approaching from all directions. Only cross when there are no approaching vehicles.
4. If there is vehicle approaching, let it pass. Then look around, listen again, and wait until no more traffic is coming.
5. If there is no vehicle approaching, walk steadily and in a straight line when crossing the road. Do not run to avoid falling.
6. Stay alert and observe your surroundings. Pay extra attention to bicycles and motorcycles as they may be less noticeable due to their smaller size. Bicycles that may make no sound when moving make them even harder to detect. Avoid distractions such as eating or drinking, using mobile phones, wearing headphones or earphones, or walking and talking at the same time. Stay focus on traffic conditions.

Safety Tips for Using Public Transportation

• While waiting to board, you may take the seats provided at the bus stop or train platform.
• Allow enough time for boarding and alighting from the vehicle, and be cautious of any height or gap differences between the ground and the vehicle platform to maintain balance. Only board or alight after the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
• Once onboard, if priority seating is available (and wear the seat belt if present), sit in the nearest available seat. If need to stand, always hold on to the handrail to prevent loss of balance.
• Before alighting, mobilize your waist, knees, and ankle joints to reduce muscle and joint stiffness.
• After alighting, promptly move to the pedestrian walkway to avoid being hit by departing vehicles. Ensure the vehicles have left before crossing the road. Before crossing, carefully observe the traffic conditions on both sides of the road.

These road safety tips can help the elderly minimise the risk of accidents while on the road. However, it is important for each individual to adjust and make judgements based on their own health condition and abilities. Additionally, elderly people should maintain contact with family, friends, or neighbours and seek assistance when needed.