In Japan, the number of accidents decreased after passing a cognitive test to renew a driver’s license became mandatory. An article about it was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
For the research, the scientists received data from Japanese police on the number of traffic accidents and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists among people over 70. The period from July 2012 to December 2019 was taken into account. From March 2017, drivers aged 75 and over were required to take a cognitive test to renew their license and were referred to a doctor if the results were unsatisfactory. If a doctor diagnoses dementia, rights can be revoked or suspended.
From 2012 to 2019, 602,885 driver accidents and 196,889 pedestrian and cyclist injuries occurred among people aged 70 and over. Following the introduction of the new rules, the number of collisions among male drivers decreased, while the number of injuries to pedestrians and cyclists increased for both sexes. According to scientists, during the entire period, accidents altogether decreased by 3670, and the number of injured elderly cyclists and pedestrians increased by 959.
“Safety measures need to be strengthened for older cyclists and pedestrians. We must also provide the elderly with the necessary assistance to stop riding and prepare for safe alternative vehicles,” explains author Haruhiko Inada.
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Source: Gazeta
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