Report: More Young, Old Die in Traffic Accidents

During 2011, half of Israelis killed in traffic accidents or incidents were among youths and the elderly. The Central Bureau of Statistics said Monday that 190 young people were killed in accidents during 2011, 90 of them between 15 and 24 years of age. Meanwhile, 71 people age 64 and older were killed in traffic accidents during the year.

The report attributed the higher levels of death in both population groups to higher risk factors. For young people, the higher incidence of serious injury and death is due to the high percentage of young people who ride motorcycles and mopeds. Among the elderly, the fact that many no longer drive and are pedestrians exposes them to more potential fatal accidents, the study said.