In an interview with RT, Sergey Kanaev, who leads the Russian Federation of Car Owners, weighed in on Pavel Krupnik’s proposal. Krupnik, a deputy from the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, suggested shortening the validity period of driving licenses for motorists over 75 and introducing regular tests for reaction speed and stress tolerance. Kanaev indicated that these checks should not be limited by age alone; instead, he argued that the same standards should apply to all drivers, emphasizing a uniform approach to road safety. The stance reflects a belief that medical examinations are already a baseline, but cognitive and physiological assessments, particularly related to stress response, deserve broader consideration to ensure safe driving for everyone on the road [Source: RT].
Kanaev elaborated that the ongoing medical exam remains essential, yet he stressed that how a person handles stress and their response time are critical factors. If these parameters are evaluated, they should be extended to all drivers, not just those approaching or exceeding typical retirement ages. In his view, the overall group of drivers could benefit from regular stress-resilience assessments, which would contribute to a more comprehensive safety framework on highways. This line of thinking aligns with a wider movement to anchor road safety in measurable physiological and cognitive indicators rather than age alone, and it underscores the idea that preparedness, not merely status, should guide licensing decisions [Source: RT].
Beyond the medical and cognitive checks, Kanaev supported the notion that elderly drivers might be granted driving rights for a five-year term, provided they meet clear visual standards. He pointed out that visual acuity is a central factor in safe driving and that early detection of deterioration can help maintain public safety. He also identified common risk factors across all age groups: insufficient driving experience, alcohol impairment, and reduced visual clarity. While acknowledging the value of extending certain permissions for capable seniors, he cautioned that the safety of all road users must remain the priority. The dialogue around these measures reflects a broader policy debate about balancing independence for older adults with rigorous safety benchmarks, especially as traffic conditions become more demanding and densely populated [Source: RT].
During the discussion, Krupnik shared his concerns with the head of the Main Directorate of Highway Safety, Police Lieutenant General Mikhail Chernikov. The deputy argued that increasingly crowded roads, heightened traffic density, and harsher driving conditions can make elderly drivers feel stressed behind the wheel, potentially elevating the risk of incidents for themselves and others. This exchange highlights a shared worry about whether current licensing and monitoring practices sufficiently address evolving traffic realities. The emphasis is on proactive safety measures that could help older drivers adapt to modern road environments while maintaining mobility. The conversation also points to a timeline in which policy proposals are tested against real-world pressures and expert assessments, weighing practical implementation against the goal of reducing harm on public highways [Source: RT].