EU Parliament Wants Routine Health Checks for Drivers, Stirs Controversy
The EU Parliament's Transport Committee has caused a stir with its decision to introduce mandatory health checks for drivers, spurring a narrow majority vote in favor of the initiative. According to MEP Karima Delli, responsible for the issue, the examinations will be compulsory every 15 years when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. This proposal applies to new drivers, young individuals, as well as older drivers, as stated by the committee's chairperson.
These new regulations are a result of a EU Commission proposal aimed at ensuring road safety. If the committee's position prevails during upcoming negotiations, individuals won't be able to drive without proving they're physically and mentally capable of operating a vehicle safely. This would require someone to demonstrate adequate vision, among other criteria.
It remains uncertain if these proposed changes will materialize. The committee's position will be put to a vote by the entire EU Parliament in January or February, allowing for amendments to be made. Subsequent negotiations with the EU member states will also determine the outcome. Unlike the committee, these European nations have not supported mandatory medical checks for drivers. However, there are indications that driving at age 17 might become standard practice across the EU soon.
EU statistics reveal that over 20,000 people die in road accidents annually within the union. The aim is to reduce the number of road fatalities by half by 2030. Nevertheless, current trends do not suggest that this target will be achieved, following an increase in deaths since their decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
French Green MEP, Delli, initially proposed more stringent restrictions. However, her plans were met with cross-party criticism. Consequently, some of these strict plans have been abandoned, such as introducing a special category of driving licenses for heavy vehicles like SUVs and implementing night-time driving bans for young drivers.
Reactions from German MEPs
German MEPs have expressed their opposition to the proposed mandatory health checks for drivers. FDP politician Jan-Christoph Oetjen argues that the checks are "unnecessarily excessive," and the party will work to prevent their implementation in the European Parliament. CDU colleague Jens Gieseke also shares Oetjen's sentiments, viewing the tests as excessive bureaucracy. In a press release, however, Gieseke welcomed the possibility of recognizing tractor driver's licenses across Europe.
The EU plans to finalize negotiations before the European elections next year. As with other directives, member states like Germany will need to incorporate these new rules into national law within a three-year timeframe after the directive goes into effect.
Additional Insights:
The European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee has been revising EU driving license rules to prioritize road safety, including introducing mandatory health checks, updated validity limits, and hazard perception and risk factors testing. The European Commission has also proposed a new Directive on driving licenses aimed at improving road safety, with measures like the European scheme for novice drivers and a probationary period with zero-tolerance for alcohol.
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This article incorporates relevant data from enrichment sources.
