In a move aimed to reduce the rising number of accidents caused by elderly drivers, Japan will introduce new requirements for elderly drivers who wish to keep their licenses.
Starting May 13, elderly drivers in Japan over the age of 75 with previous traffic violations will have to take a driving aptitude test if they want to stay on the road. Failure to pass the test will result in losing their licenses.
The Dangers of Elderly Drivers on the Road
The number of elderly drivers over the age of 75 years or older reached about 5.9 million (as of 2020). That’s an increase of over 2 million people over the last 10 years. However, the reasons for the growing concern over elderly drivers on the road are plenty. Age-related issues, such as delayed response time and dulled reflexes, impaired decision-making, and deterioration of physical strength and eyesight, are all high-risk factors for potential accidents. [3]
A deadly incident in 2019 left 12 victims injured or dead after an 87-year-old driver’s car went out of control in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The bereaved family of one of the victims called for the consideration of the elderly to stop driving cars. [2]
This rise in awareness led to the decision to revise the Road Traffic Act, as well as the encouragement of elderly drivers in Japan to voluntarily return their licenses. However, the number of people willingly relinquishing their rights to drive is still nowhere near where it should be. According to Japan’s National Police Agency, the percentage of drivers over 80 who voluntarily returned their licenses was a meager 8% out of millions who chose to remain on the road. [4]
Conditions For Elderly Drivers Who Want to Drive
Starting in May, if elderly drivers want to stay on the road, they will have to pass an aptitude test measuring their driving skills. This requirement is non-negotiable for anyone who has committed any of the following traffic violations over the past three years. [1]
- Ignoring traffic lights
- Reverse driving
- Traffic zone violations (driving in the wrong lane)
- Speeding violations
- Crossing and U-turn violations
- Blocking/failing to stop at railroad crossings
- Illegal turns at intersections
- Illegally proceeding through intersections
- Endangering pedestrians
- Safety violations (such as careless driving)
- Using cell phone while driving
The aptitude test will measure the driver’s ability to operate the steering wheel, drive at a safe speed, and ability to pay attention to signals. Drivers must score 70 or higher (out of 100) to pass. Test administers will also look out for things such as the driver’s cognitive function ability, as well as signs or risk of dementia. Drivers can take the test (for 3550 yen) at the Driver’s License Examination Center or at a driving school as many times as necessary within six months before the renewal deadline. [1]
Encouraging Safety for Elderly Drivers in the Family
On one hand, it’s easy to understand why people may be reluctant to part with their licenses. Japan has been facing a frightening population decline over the years. This can put extra pressure on the elderly population to continue working. Many single seniors, with no spouse, children, or family nearby, may have no choice but to do everything on their own. However, active seniors must also be aware of the limitations of their bodies, and prioritize safety when on the road.
Mr. Yasumi Ito, professor at the University of Yamanashi Graduate School and expert on traffic accident analysis at the National Research Institute of Police Science commented in response to previous incidents. “As the elderly population grows over the next five years, so too will the number of at-risk elderly drivers… To that end, we must take preventative measures and discuss with our families whether or not it’s still okay for them to drive”. [2]
One way we can do that, especially for those who don’t want to voluntarily hand in their licenses, is to encourage them to take a driving aptitude test before renewing their license, if not earlier. If they pass, we can assume it is safe to return to the road. However, should they fail, it may be time to consider using a taxi service for their safety, and that of everyone else on the road.
Sourcesย
[1] 75ๆญณไปฅไธ”้ๅ”ใใฉใคใใผใซ๏ฝขๅฎ่ป่ฉฆ้จ๏ฝฃ ไปๅนด5ๆในใฟใผใ”ๅๆ ผ”ใใชใใใฐๅ ่จฑๆดๆฐใชใ. FNNใใฉใคใ ใชใณใฉใคใณ
[2] ใ้่ปขไธๆใงใใ5ๅนดๅพใ่ฆใใใฆๅฎถๆใง่ฉฑใๅใใใ ้ซ้ฝขใใฉใคใใผๅ้กใฎใใใซใงใใใใจ. Huffington Post Japan
[3] ้ซ้ฝข่ ใซไฟใไบค้ไบๆ ้ฒๆญข. Cabinet Office
[4] ้่ปขๅ ่จฑ็ตฑ่จ. National Police Agency
