Change from Age 70 and Older to 65 and Older
On July 29, Im Seonghwa, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (representing Gwangcheon-dong, Yudeok-dong, Chipyeong-dong, Sangmu 1-dong, and Dongcheon-dong), announced that the partial amendment ordinance to the "Gwangju Seo-gu Ordinance on the Prevention of Traffic Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers," which she proposed during the 332nd temporary session, was passed in its original form.
Sung-Hwa Lim, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member. Provided by the office of Council Member Sung-Hwa Lim
The age range for elderly drivers in Seo-gu has been revised from 70 years and older to 65 years and older, in line with the city ordinance standards.
Currently, drivers aged 65 and older can receive a transportation card (a prepaid card worth 100,000 KRW) if they visit their local administrative welfare center and voluntarily surrender their driver's license.
Im stated, "Although each local government already provides incentives for voluntarily returning driver's licenses to prevent traffic accidents involving elderly drivers, the effectiveness of these policies has shown its limits. At the same time, both the number of drivers aged 65 and older and the proportion of traffic accidents involving them are continuously increasing. It is now crucial to design sustainable traffic safety policies that can guarantee the mobility rights of elderly drivers while also reducing accident rates."
Im is exploring various measures to guarantee the mobility rights of those who surrender their driver's licenses and to prevent traffic accidents, including the provision of electric bicycles, the distribution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and increasing the amount provided on transportation cards.
Currently, the age criteria for elderly drivers differ by local government, and the benefits for surrendering a license also vary. In some foreign countries, as drivers age, the license renewal period is shortened or vision tests are required, and license systems are managed according to age groups.
In line with these trends, the 22nd National Assembly has also introduced several bills aimed at improving traffic safety for elderly drivers, including license management and financial support for the installation of safety devices.
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