An elderly man has tragically passed away after being hit by a car driven by a senior citizen. The incident occurred in Japan where the rising incidents related to car accidents involving the elderly are starting to raise major red flags about the road safety. Details about exact location or how the accident occurred are still under investigation, as the case has just been reported. No information about the driver has been released yet, due to ongoing inquiries.
In Japan, where the society is renowned for its respect for the elderly, incidents such as this often ignite a widespread discussion about traffic safety and senior drivers. Speculations around whether more stringent driving tests for the elderly should be required, or if there should be more help and guidance for this demographic to ensure they can mobilize safely, are common in the wake of such events.
In contrast, the US and EU have stricter regulations for elderly drivers, including more frequent renewal of driver’s licenses with vision tests, and in some cases, road tests. Some states/counties even have restrictions on nighttime driving for seniors. Nevertheless, car accidents involving the elderly remain a contentious issue globally.