Automobiles are dangerous objects. If you feel you are becoming slower to react, it’s best to consider your life and return your license before you hurt someone.

That is easy for him to say, he probably lives in Tokyo, with a very good mass transit system, and enough money to pay for taxis or even hire a driver if the need be. But for many who live outside the bubble called Tokyo, they do not have that luxury. I know that something has to be done about all of these accidents, but just telling people to give up their licenses is not realistic.

I know that something has to be done about all of these accidents, but just telling people to give up their licenses is not realistic.

A good start would be more retesting for ability.  Not necessarily passing the absurd driving test again (since so many fail it when they are young), but perhaps an "elderly driver" version.  At the very least, I think refresher testing, vision and reaction time checks, etc. should be required more frequently.  This should also apply to all ages, by decade.

What might make the above more effective would be to associate it with medical checks, since so many go to doctors regularly.

I asked my mother to give up her driving license when she turned 78 which she did since she herself was not sure if she can steadily drive a car. I will probably do the same when I feel I am not fit anymore.

More needs to be definitely done to avoid these accidents.

The idea is fine, but this is not the best wording.

"If you feel" is not the best judge of someone's abilities.

"it’s best to consider your life" err, what is that supposed to mean? The danger is to other people.

Driving is a privilege, not a right. You only get it by being able to control a vehicle.

I also think more promotion should be made of electric-assist bikes, not just for getting old people out of cars, but for doing so and keeping them active. Of course it would be easier if there were walkable communities and bike lanes.

I can't see it happening but I think it would be a good idea to make older people (over 75? 80?) drive only manual cars. Aumomatic cars are just too easy for them to make a mistake.

A manual drive would require a little thought and not just putting your foot on a pedal. Sure I won't stop some of the accidents but it would help, I am sure of it.

Separate lanes for elderly drivers and special parking spaces which allow for massive room front and back in case they accidentally press the wrong pedal.

Oh, and significant jail time for any offending elderly driver

@kohakuebisu

It is not a privilege so much as a necessity when the local authorities stop of public transport