Japan’s National Police Agency plans to toughen mandatory driving skills tests for some drivers aged 75 and older, particularly those with a record of certain traffic violations, when they renew or apply for driving-related requirements. The changes are aimed at reducing accidents linked to older motorists.
The outlets cite Japan’s safety data as context. One report notes that about 18% of fatal accidents in Japan last year involve drivers over 75, even as the overall trend in traffic deaths shows improvement. Another source adds that while fatal accidents overall decline, incidents involving older drivers are rising in step with Japan’s ageing population.
The coverage largely agrees on the target group and the goal of stricter testing, but differs in emphasis: some outlets focus on the proportion of fatal accidents attributed to older drivers, while others highlight the broader demographic pressure from an increasing share of elderly residents.
