Often, a medical examination is not enough to find out if an older person is fit to drive a car.
Based on Hungarian data, in the first half of 2024, there were 6,523 accidents involving personal injuries on the roads, of which 996 were caused by people over 65 years of age. The latter data raises the question to what extent the driving skills of the elderly can influence traffic safety. Tibor Kapitány, head of the More Than Legal Driving School, says that the Hungarian system is not strict enough, and that the suitability of older drivers should not only be assessed based on medical examinations. The responsibility of experts and families are both key to making traffic safer.
In Hungary, too, there is an increasing amount of discussion about how to improve the traffic rules among the elderly, Captain Tibor pointed out. He added:
"According to the latest KSH survey, the age group over 65 causes the most accidents involving personal injuries."
Based on the data, in the first half of 2024, 6,523 accidents involving personal injuries occurred in Hungary, of which 996 were caused by people over 65 years of age. This number is exceptionally high and far exceeds the number of accidents caused by younger age groups.
According to Captain Tibor, doctors in Hungary currently determine whether the elderly are fit to drive, but this is not enough in many cases.
"The doctor can only assess the basic physical condition in the office, but not how the person drives in traffic. That's why it would be important to involve traffic specialists who can determine whether the older driver is fit to drive in as little as a 20-minute survey," he explained.
Many countries have stricter rules for extending driving licenses for older people. There are places where drivers over the age of 70 must apply for a special permit to drive.
"It would be worthwhile to consider linking the renewal of the driver's license to more frequent inspections in Hungary as well," said Captain Tibor. According to the head of the driving school, families should also take on a greater role: "The greatest responsibility belongs to the family, as they are the ones who can best see whether their elderly relative can still drive safely."
Captain Tibor emphasized that the current system is not sufficient. According to him, as in some countries, it would be necessary in Hungary for drivers over the age of 65 to regularly take part in a survey by transport experts.
"This does not mean that we want to take away the possibility of driving from the elderly, but to ensure that those who are on the roads are really fit to do so," he added.
The head of the driving school said: "Amending the traffic rules is not an easy process, but it is definitely necessary to reduce the number of accidents and make the roads safer." Traffic safety for the elderly is a challenge that requires a joint effort by physicians, families, and transportation professionals.
