Senior Driver Traffic Accident Fatalities Surge by 57% Last Year
7 Out of 10 Say They Feel the Impact of the "Senior Driver" Sign
As drivers displaying the "Senior Driver" sign have reported experiencing increased consideration and concessions from other drivers, local governments are accelerating the production and distribution of these signs.
On April 28, the Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee (Autonomous Police Committee) announced that it would produce and distribute "Senior Driver" signs for vehicles operated by drivers aged 65 and older. The "Senior Driver" sign system was introduced in 2023 to allow other drivers to easily recognize when a senior citizen is driving.
The national or local governments may produce and distribute these signs to promote safe driving and prevent traffic accidents among senior drivers. The Seoul Autonomous Police Committee and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plan to address the increase in traffic accidents involving senior drivers through the use of these "Senior Driver" signs.
Last year, there were 7,236 traffic accidents involving drivers aged 65 and older in Seoul, a 5.6% increase from the previous year's 6,836 cases. Notably, the number of fatalities surged by 57.1%, rising from 42 to 66, highlighting the severity of the issue.
According to a survey conducted last year by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, a majority of senior drivers aged 65 and older who used the sign responded that it helped improve safety (65%) or that they experienced more considerate and yielding behavior from other drivers (67%). In addition, 93% of 96 general citizens surveyed said they would be willing to show consideration to vehicles displaying the senior driver sign. However, only 35% said they would be willing to display the sign themselves if they became a senior driver, citing concerns about how they might be perceived by other drivers.
Lee Yongpyo, Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Autonomous Police Committee, stated, "It is difficult for senior drivers to voluntarily return their licenses due to inconvenient transportation environments, such as the distance between their homes and public transportation. Until a fundamental solution is established, we will focus on expanding a culture of safety and consideration for senior drivers through on-site traffic safety education and the use of the 'Senior Driver' sign."
Jung Yongsik, President of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, said, "The senior driver sign is helping to spread a culture of considerate and yielding driving. We will also work to establish a customized traffic safety network for vulnerable groups across all life stages, from children to seniors, to create a safer traffic environment."
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