[Silver Driving Hazard Lights] Shortened Aptitude Test Cycle and Driving Only Near Home... Could This Be a Solution to Senior Driver Accidents?

③Measures for Elderly Car Accidents?
Considering Traffic Safety and Mobility Rights Together
UK: License Renewal Every 3 Years After Age 70
US Illinois: Conditional Licensing System
South Korea: Conditional License System Planned for 2025

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Donghoon Jeong, Jeongyun Lee] The issue of elderly drivers must be addressed by considering both traffic safety and the guarantee of mobility rights. Although reaction times slow down with age, increasing the risk of accidents, simply depriving elderly people of their mobility and driving rights is not the solution in our society, which is entering a super-aged era.

Currently, in South Korea, those aged 65 and older are required to undergo traffic safety education and aptitude tests every 5 years, and those aged 75 and older every 3 years, to assess drivers' vision and reaction speed and determine whether to renew their elderly driver’s licenses. The renewal and aptitude test cycles for elderly drivers are shortened to check if they are still fit to drive. However, there are still calls for more detailed and thorough measures for elderly drivers.

Similar concerns have been raised overseas, and various alternatives have been implemented. In the UK, driving licenses expire at age 70, after which they must be renewed every 3 years. France requires those aged 76 and older to undergo aptitude tests annually, while those aged 60 to 75 must take tests every 2 years.

Conditional driver’s license systems are also in place. When elderly drivers surrender or fail to renew their licenses, daily life inconveniences arise. These inconveniences are greater for those living in rural areas. Therefore, licenses are maintained based on driving ability, but driving at night or on highways is prohibited. In Illinois, USA, elderly drivers can obtain licenses that restrict driving to within 20 miles (about 32 km) of their residence. Additionally, in Ohio, USA, elderly drivers may be restricted to driving only during daylight hours or prohibited from highway driving.

South Korea is now aiming to introduce a conditional driver’s license system for the elderly by 2025. Starting this year, 3.6 billion KRW will be invested over three years to research and develop a driving aptitude evaluation method based on virtual reality (VR).

Japan, which entered a super-aged society earlier than South Korea, is implementing policies that address elderly driver safety while avoiding restrictions on mobility rights. For example, licenses must be renewed every 3 years from age 71, every 4 years at age 70, and every 5 years for those under 70. Additionally, elderly people who voluntarily surrender their licenses and live in areas with poor public transportation access can rent ultra-compact cars that accommodate up to two people. These vehicles resemble motorcycles and are limited to certain areas.

Efforts are also made to encourage elderly drivers to recognize their declining driving abilities. Some car insurance companies and local governments lend 'drive recorders' that collect data on when drivers press the accelerator and brake pedals and how they handle the steering wheel to evaluate driving skills. By comparing scores with the average for their age group, drivers with issues are encouraged to voluntarily surrender their licenses.

Professor Pilsoo Kim of Daelim University’s Department of Automotive Engineering explained, "The rate of increase in accidents involving elderly drivers in South Korea is faster than in advanced countries," adding, "It is most important to adopt various systems implemented abroad and ensure they are practically enforced."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.