As Japan sees a rising number of accidents by elderly drivers, there has been ongoing discussion about whether senior drivers should be convinced to quit driving, which might bring inconvenience to those in rural areas.
The debate has been reignited by an accident just north of Tokyo earlier this week, as an 84-year-old man in Saitama prefecture drove his car into a group of elementary school children on Tuesday, leaving a first-grade girl in critical condition.
The driver cited confusion as the major cause of the accident. He mistook a traffic light ahead of the crosswalk for the signal at the crosswalk itself and indicated no attempt to brake while seven children were crossing the street.
According to local media reports, the driver's family had repeatedly asked him to give up driving due to safety concerns, but he continued driving citing his good health condition.
Currently, Japanese drivers aged 70 and above must undergo special courses, including classroom instruction and on-road driving tests. Drivers over 75 must also pass cognitive function tests to renew their licenses. However, these measures alone have not been enough to curb the incidence of accidents involving elderly drivers.
The number of accidents involving drivers aged 75 and older has been rising, with 30,330 incidents reported last year, up from a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Despite efforts to encourage elderly drivers to return their licenses, the number of voluntary surrenders has been declining. Data shows that in 2019, about 350,000 seniors voluntarily gave up their licenses. However, by last year, this number had dropped to approximately 260,000.
The challenge is particularly acute in rural areas where public transportation is limited, and the elderly rely heavily on driving for their daily needs. A study by the Cabinet Office finds that in rural areas, using any form of public transportation results in a significant economic burden compared to driving a private vehicle, as the costs related to bus use can exceed 9,300 U.S. dollars annually.
Current mainstream suggestions include better public transportation options, community support systems, and possibly even incentives for license surrender.
Stressing the need to balance safety and mobility for Japan's aging population, local analysts noted that ensuring that elderly drivers can transition away from driving without losing their independence is crucial in preventing tragedies in the future.