A recent tragic accident in New Taipei, Taiwan, involving a 78-year-old driver who struck a group of schoolchildren and a mother, killing three and injuring twelve, has ignited a global debate about elderly drivers and traffic safety. The incident mirrors a similar accident in Copenhagen and highlights a growing trend of elderly drivers contributing to traffic accidents in aging societies.

The accident has put immense pressure on the Taiwanese government to take action. Taiwan’s Ministry of Transport is considering lowering the age for driver’s license renewal from 75 to 70, a move that is controversial due to the high respect for the elderly in East Asian cultures.

This tragedy has sparked public outrage and calls for stricter regulations. While official data indicates that drivers between 18 and 24 are involved in the most accidents, the recent incidents involving elderly drivers have raised serious concerns. The growing sea of flowers at the accident site symbolizes the grief and the ongoing debate about when the state should intervene regarding elderly drivers.

The issue extends beyond Taiwan. In Japan, the number of drivers over 65 has significantly increased, and drivers over 75 are responsible for a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities. This increase in elderly drivers’ involvement in accidents is exacerbated by record-low birth rates in both Japan and Taiwan.

Research offers hope for mitigating the risks associated with elderly drivers. A study from Iowa State University and Toyota suggests that technology can be used to help older drivers sharpen their attention.

The issue of elderly pedestrians is also a concern. In South Korea, accidents involving elderly pedestrians are significantly higher than in other wealthy countries, leading to the introduction of “silver zones” with traffic calming measures.

However, legislative measures alone may not be sufficient. Just days after the New Taipei tragedy, another 78-year-old man without a driver’s license caused a violent accident in Taipei, injuring seven. This incident underscores the complexities of the issue and the limitations of relying solely on regulations.