Drivers Over 65 in the Hot Seat: Wissing's Stance on Stricter Regulations
Transport Minister Wissing (FDP) reiterated his opposition to mandatory health checks for senior drivers this week. Speaking in Brussels, the minister expressed his belief that compulsory medical examinations are disproportionate, especially in Germany. This stance was shared by Austria and Belgium, among others, preventing such regulations from being implemented in the country.
Recent EU proposals suggest that drivers over 70 should undergo medical fitness tests or provide a self-declaration of health. These examinations would need to be conducted every 15 years when applying for a new license. The European Commission also proposed that driving licenses for this age group should only last for five years, necessitating more frequent health information updates.
However, Minister Wissing disagrees with these additional regulations, arguing that self-declaration offers no added value for road safety and would add unnecessary bureaucracy. Germany did not agree to the compromise but was outvoted.
Accident researcher Siegfried Brockmann, head of accident research at the insurance companies, contends that Wissing underestimates the risk posed by older drivers. Although the over-65 demographic is involved in fewer accidents on average, they are involved in more accidents that result in personal injury than younger drivers. Data from the Federal Statistical Office supports this claim, showing that senior drivers were responsible for more than two-thirds (69%) of such incidents last year.
Brockmann advocates for mandatory rides with professionals to improve road safety among older drivers. By providing feedback on their driving behavior, these rides could help seniors improve their skills without the threat of losing their licenses.
Related Topics
European MPs Condemn Anti-Semitic Monuments in Moldova
Insights from Enrichment Data
Compulsory health checks can play a significant role in increasing road safety for older drivers. Regular medical evaluations can help detect age-related health issues that could affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. For example, conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or cognitive decline can impact vision and reaction time, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
Studies have shown that mandatory medical assessments can lead to a reduction in road accidents by ensuring that only individuals physically and mentally capable of operating a vehicle receive licenses. Additionally, compulsory health checks can raise public awareness about the importance of road safety and the need for regular medical evaluations as drivers age.
While there is no explicit stance from the German Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing on these checks, his government's focus on digitalization and streamlined vehicle documentation suggests a commitment to improving road safety through various means. The specific policy stance on health checks for older drivers would likely be part of broader discussions within the German Ministry for Digital and Transport.
