On 21/6, a driver over 70 crashed into a pedestrian street in Daeyeon-dong, Nam Busan, resulting in four casualties. The following day, 22/6, in Tay Daegu, a taxi driver also over 70 caused a multi-vehicle accident, injuring 10 people and damaging 9 vehicles. On the same day in Busan, another driver over 70 reversed their vehicle, colliding with four other vehicles.

These incidents have sparked a debate regarding the policy for managing driving licenses for individuals over 65.

Over the past 5 years, the number of accidents caused by drivers aged 65 and over increased by 44%, from 32,000 incidents in 2021 to 46,000 in 2025. Conversely, accidents involving drivers under 65 decreased by 13.5% during the same period.

Scene of a traffic accident caused by a driver over 70 who unexpectedly drove onto the sidewalk near Jonggak Station, Seoul, on 2/1, killing one person and injuring 14 others. Photo: Yonhap

Many localities, including Seoul, are encouraging individuals aged 65 and over to surrender their licenses to ensure traffic safety. Last year, Seoul increased the incentive for drivers over 70 to give up their licenses from 100,000 won (65 USD) to 200,000 won. City data revealed that 31,800 drivers over 65 actively surrendered their licenses last year, marking a 27.4% increase. The city anticipates 35,000 more individuals will do so in 2026.

Despite these efforts, the license surrender rate for this age group remains below 3%. Many elderly individuals in suburban areas report facing difficulties due to inadequate public transportation. "Demanding we give up our licenses for a small subsidy infringes on our right to free movement," said Kwon, 70, who lives in Yangpyeong.

The Seoul Institute suggests that one-time financial incentives do not yield lasting results, proposing support through taxi vouchers and shuttle services instead.

The aging population phenomenon has led to a 40% increase in the number of drivers aged 65 and over, from 4.02 million people in 2021 to 5.63 million in 2025. This figure is projected to reach 13.16 million by 2040.

Last year, the number of casualties per accident caused by drivers over 65 was 1.4 people, slightly lower than the 1.42 for the under-65 age group. However, the number of fatalities per 100 accidents for the over-65 group was 1.8 people, higher than the 0.8 for younger drivers. Collisions involving drivers over 65 primarily occur during the day, accounting for 75.2% of incidents.

An employee at the Suwon City Traffic Policy Department, Gyeonggi Province, arranges driving licenses. Photo: News1

Authorities are also addressing the livelihood challenges faced by elderly professional drivers. The Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) reported that the over-65 age group accounts for nearly 22% of the 147,000 bus drivers, 119,000 taxi drivers, and 76,000 truck drivers. License revocation could lead to income instability for these individuals.

Experts recommend that authorities manage drivers through competency tests rather than outright bans. Proposals include: cognitive function tests, issuing conditional licenses with restricted driving hours or routes.

Some countries have begun installing pedal misapplication prevention devices, which automatically control vehicles when drivers make mistakes. In Japan, over 93% of new cars are equipped with this device. However, experts note that these devices only operate effectively at low speed ranges. Researcher Park Yo-han from the Samsung Traffic Safety Culture Institute emphasizes the priority of equipping real-time pedal misapplication detection and control technology across all speed ranges.

Minh Phuong (According to Chosun, Korea Times)