"In that same amount of time, we know the number of vehicles on the road has increased by almost 40 per cent," said Pamela Ramage-Morin, author of the study. "It makes the decline a bit more dramatic."

"From other studies, we know that young people are risk-takers using excessive speed, not using seatbelts, and alcohol may be involved," Ramage-Morin said. "If any of those risky behaviours are combined with driving, it certainly puts them at risk."

"More than any other age groups, senior pedestrians have higher death rates than any other age," Ramage-Morin said. "It's a sad way for people to finish their life."