Study: Obese children at greater risk of pedestrian injury

IOWA CITY, Iowa, March 8 (UPI) -- Overweight children tend to get impatient at crosswalks, putting them at greater risk of pedestrian injury.

During traffic and pedestrian simulations conducted at the University of Iowa, overweight children were more likely to be involved in collisions. They were more impulsive and impatient, spending less time waiting at crosswalks and allowing less distance between themselves and passing vehicles.

Researchers published their findings this week in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention.

"Being overweight is putting increased stress on their joints, which is a little uncomfortable," lead author Elizabeth O'Neal, a psychology graduate student at Iowa, said in a news release. "So, they are compromising their safety in order to expedite the crossing."

The study involved 206 children, ages 7 and 8, in Birmingham, Ala. Participants navigated simulated crosswalk situations, involving a range of traffic situations and speeds, using three side-by-side 24-inch monitors.

Children between 6 and 9 years old are the demographic most involved in pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Meanwhile, since 1980, obesity rates among children have tripled.

Researchers continue to explore the role of obesity in the lives and development of children from a variety of angles, drawing connections to health, education, poverty and more. This is one of the first studies to look at obesity and pedestrian safety.

"We tend to think of obesity as being detrimental to health, but we don't necessarily think of it affecting our health in the way we behave," O'Neal said.

Another study published Tuesday predicts a sharp rise in pedestrian injuries. Researchers say the spike in pedestrian injuries and deaths is likely a result of higher rates of cellphone use among drivers and walkers, as well as the fact that more people are out walking instead of driving.

The study doesn't address obesity, but the research out of Iowa suggests obesity rates could also contribute to a surge in pedestrian-vehicle collisions.