Taiwanese Doctor Advocates for Science-Based Driver's License Reforms, Highlighting Need for Data-Driven Approach

Medical Expert Calls for Evidence-Based Policies Over Age-Based Restrictions in Driver's License Renewals Following Fatal Accident.

Taipei, May 21 – A medical doctor in Taiwan is urging a shift towards driver's license renewal policies grounded in scientific evidence, rather than age alone. The call for reform comes amidst ongoing discussions about adjusting regulations for elderly drivers, following a tragic incident.

Lee Ping-ing (李秉穎), an adjunct pediatric physician at National Taiwan University Hospital, voiced his concerns in a Facebook post. His comments were prompted by government proposals to lower the age at which elderly drivers must renew their licenses from 75 to 70.

The impetus for these discussions was a fatal accident on Monday in New Taipei's Sanxia District, where a 78-year-old driver struck pedestrians, resulting in three fatalities and 12 injuries.

While acknowledging the severity of accidents involving elderly drivers, Lee emphasized that the highest accident rates are actually observed among young drivers, aged 18 to 24.

Data from the National Police Agency indicates that in 2020, the age group with the most traffic accidents caused by drivers was the 18-29 bracket, with 107,032 cases, representing 29.53 percent of all accidents.

“I don't see the need to single out older adults for stricter renewal rules," Lee wrote, advocating that changes should stem from a comprehensive data analysis rather than being based on isolated incidents.

Speaking later to the media, Lee stressed that effective traffic safety reform demands a root cause analysis. He highlighted that policies should be evidence-driven rather than emotion-based, suggesting a detailed comparison of accident rates across all age groups, including minor, major, and fatal incidents.

Lee also expressed criticism of a proposed subsidy for elderly drivers who voluntarily surrender their licenses in exchange for a T-Pass, a regional multimodal public transit pass. He argued that this would be ineffective, especially in rural areas where transportation infrastructure is limited.

His remarks coincided with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's pledge to offer medical assessments and professional support, responding to new reforms proposed by Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) on Tuesday.

These proposed reforms include more stringent driving tests, incorporating evaluations of cognitive abilities, hazard perception, and mobility. Enhanced traffic safety education for violators and tailored safety programs for elderly drivers are also under consideration.

The government aims to introduce the new system for senior drivers as early as next year.

Addressing a legislative session on Wednesday, Chen clarified that the reforms were not solely a reaction to the Sanxia crash. He noted that the government is also "addressing issues such as high accident rates among young drivers and strengthening retraining and renewal systems."

According to data from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), traffic accidents involving elderly drivers have increased steadily since the senior license renewal system was implemented in 2017.

Chen acknowledged this trend, stating that future assessments would focus on hazard perception and cognitive ability, employing more effective methods.

The Sanxia incident has reignited the debate on managing elderly drivers. Referencing California, the article noted that drivers aged 70 and above must pass a vision test for license renewal and may face written or road tests. A reporting system also allows for conditional licenses, balancing safety with the mobility rights of older adults.