Status: 25/09/2023, 17:08 p.m.
By: Helmi Krappitz
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The EU is planning stricter rules for older people behind the wheel. The social association VdK criticizes the plans and pleads for voluntary measures.
Frankfurt – The EU Parliament is currently debating a renewal of the driving licence directives. The draft law currently being debated is about stricter regulations for senior citizens – this is intended to increase road safety. However, the EU plans are not particularly well received. A social association also criticises the approach of the EU parament.
Driving licence reform: EU plans stricter regulations for the elderly
Specifically, seniors aged 70 and over will only be issued a driver's license with a validity of five years in the future. This must be followed by a check of the ability to drive. Now the proposal for a time limit for people aged 60 and over – to seven years – was also discussed. From the age of 80, the document should only be valid for two years.
The reason for these suggestions is the decline in responsiveness and mobility in old age. Potentially, this leads to more accidents.
Social association criticises EU plan to put older people under "general suspicion"
It is controversial whether such regulations are the right approach. Verena Bentele, president of the social association VdKs, spoke to IPPEN. MEDIA commented on the driving licence plans: "The VdK naturally shares the goal of reducing accidents on Germany's roads. But it is the wrong way to put older people under general suspicion." The test procedure is only of limited significance. They overlook the fact that older drivers are usually more experienced and prudent in road traffic, Bentele said. And: "An obligation to take refresher courses, based solely on age, borders on age discrimination."
The EU is discussing stricter regulations for senior citizens behind the wheel. For this, there is a hail of fierce criticism from several sides. According to the VdK, this is "age discrimination". © Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
Criticism of EU plans: "Working until 70... but surrender the driver's license"
Reactions to the EU's plans for a driver's license are different on the short message service X (formerly Twitter). Some support stricter regulations and anticipate an improvement in road safety. But just as there is a hail of criticism from politicians, numerous users on the platform also condemn the planned regulations: "Work until 70 ... but surrender the driver's license," writes one user. There is also criticism because these are EU laws and X users would like to see driving licence regulations at the national level.
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Voluntary basis: Social association recommends voluntary and free examinations
In order to feel safe on the road as a senior citizen, voluntary medical examinations are useful and helpful - including regular free offers to participate in vision or reaction tests, Bentele explains. "Instead of the planned driving ability tests, there is a need for more advice and offers on a voluntary basis in order to check the driving fitness of older people and to be able to obtain information on this." (hk)
