Driving after 65: should controls be strengthened?
In France, unlike some other European countries, no medical examination is required for aging drivers. Yet, as the years go by, our abilities change: vision becomes less sharp, hearing diminishes, and our movements sometimes lose their agility. It’s comparable to a seasoned violinist whose instrument requires more frequent adjustments : the skill is there, but performance demands more attention.
Statistics show that drivers in their seventies are involved in just as many accidents as younger drivers. This data raises a crucial question: how can we reconcile road safety and the mobility of older people?
A regulatory framework that needs updating?
Several age-related factors can influence driving quality:
- A less clear vision, particularly in low light conditions .
- Increased reaction times in the face of unforeseen situations.
- An assessment of distances that can become less precise.
- The potential impact of certain treatments on alertness.
However, except in specific cases, no systematic checks are planned to assess these abilities with advancing age.
European approaches: a contrasting overview
Our neighbors have adopted various preventative measures:
- Spain : mandatory health check-up every five years after age 65.
- Denmark : medical examination required from age 75.
- Italy : Psychotechnical assessment to retain one’s license.
- Netherlands : five-yearly medical check-up from age 75.
