The number of traffic accident deaths nationwide declined in 2014, but the share of elderly people killed was the highest in nearly 50 years, according to a government report issued Tuesday that called for further development in safe-driving technology like automatic braking systems.
A total of 4,113 people were killed in traffic accidents last year, down 260 from the previous year and marking the 14th consecutive yearly decline, according to the white paper on road safety.
Among the fatalities, 2,193, or 53.3 percent, were aged 65 or older, the highest ratio since officials started compiling comparable data in 1967.
Of the senior victims, 48.5 percent were involved in traffic accidents while walking, 27.4 percent while driving and 15.7 percent while riding bicycles, the white paper said.
The fall in the overall number of accident deaths is attributable to high rates of seat belt use and improvements in automobile performance, such as braking, the report said.
To decrease the number of accidents involving the elderly, the report said it is necessary to install automatic braking systems in more vehicles.
The proposal came as the world's leading automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., have stepped up efforts to develop technology for safer driving, particularly computer-assisted automatic braking systems aimed at preventing collisions.
The government has started performance assessments of such preventive technology, the paper said.