TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The rising number of traffic accidents involving elderly scooter riders in Taipei has prompted urgent calls for enhanced safety measures. Driver's education schools across Taiwan are now offering specialized courses for seniors. According to Taiwan's road safety website, elderly scooter riders make up 56% of all traffic accident fatalities in Taipei City.
From 2011 to 2023, the number of traffic accident fatalities among those aged 65 and above in Taiwan jumped from 28,292 to 73,031. Notably, elderly scooter riders constituted over 70% of these fatalities last year. In response, Taiwan implemented a policy in 2017 requiring drivers over 75 to undergo physical and cognitive tests to renew their licenses.
The Highway Bureau noted an increase in license renewal rates among drivers over 75, from 68.6% in 2019 to 91.4% by February 2024. Non-compliant drivers face fines ranging from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600 and may have their licenses suspended. Experts advocate for senior driving courses to improve safety awareness among older drivers.
Chen Yu-ting (陳郁婷), an assistant professor at National Cheng Kung University, pointed out, "Although Taiwan's elderly drivers constitute about 13.6% of all drivers, they are involved in nearly 40% of traffic accidents." This alarming statistic underscores the urgency for targeted interventions.
Unlike Taiwan, Japan requires elderly drivers to attend refresher courses every three years to maintain their driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations. Driving school operator Huang Fei-fa (黃飛發) mentioned, "Japan's method involves continuous education, which helps refresh driving skills and traffic regulations knowledge regularly."
As Taiwan grapples with an aging population, balancing road safety with the mobility rights of the elderly presents a critical challenge. The government and community leaders must collaborate to ensure safer roads for all.