As the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is mulling changes to rules regarding elderly drivers, and some people have suggested that different age limits be set for car drivers and motorcyclists.
Professional drivers of large passenger vehicles can no longer drive such vehicles after they turn 65 years old, while those over the age of 68 cannot drive taxis or other small commercial vehicles.
However, there are no rules limiting older drivers from getting behind the wheel of a private car or on a motorcycle.
The ministry said it is drafting rules to regulate senior citizens who drive because of an increase in accidents involving elderly drivers as well as increased concern about the motor skills of older drivers.
There are currently about 2.85 million people aged 65 and above in Taiwan, or about 12.2 percent of the nation’s population.
However, the number of people in this age range is expected to grow to more than 14 percent by year’s end, the ministry said.
At present, all the ministry can do to restrict older drivers is to encourage them to voluntarily surrender their driver’s license.
The ministry has asked for public input on the issue.
It said many neighboring countries or regions have clear definitions or rules governing elderly drivers.
Hong Kong’s restrictions on elderly drivers apply to persons 60 or above, Singapore and South Korea begin their age restrictions at age 65, while Japan targets drivers older than 70. North American and European countries have differing age limits, ranging from 70 to 80.
Some people who have responded to the government’s request for input on the online platform for public policies say that rules restricting driving should apply to people aged between 65 and 70, while others said 75 to 80 would be better.
Others have suggested different age requirements for motorcyclists and car drivers. However, some have said that the ministry should focus less on an age-based system and work to development on automatic safe driving system.
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