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SEOUL — New research suggests that the mandatory age for shortened driver’s license renewal cycles should be lowered from 75 to 70, as cognitive functions essential for safe driving begin to deteriorate significantly at that threshold.

According to a study published in the latest issue of Traffic Safety Research by the Korea Road Traffic Authority (KoROAD), drivers aged 70 and older showed a marked decline in attention, memory, visual search capabilities, and situational awareness. The research team, led by Senior Researcher Lee Song-yi, conducted comprehensive tests on 86 participants, comparing non-elderly drivers with those aged 65 and above.

Key Findings and Statistical Disparity

The study revealed a stark contrast in situational awareness. While non-elderly drivers maintained an accuracy rate of 77.3% in situational recognition tests, the elderly group averaged only 55.7%. Notably, while drivers in the 65–69 age bracket showed no statistically significant difference from younger drivers, the decline became evident at age 70 and accelerated rapidly after 75.

 
Policy Recommendations

Under current South Korean law, drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licenses every three years and undergo mandatory cognitive screenings. However, the researchers argue for a phased expansion of these requirements starting at age 70.

Beyond simple age-based restrictions, the report proposed several "Conditional Driver’s Licenses" to balance mobility and safety:

Restricted Driving Zones: Limiting driving to familiar residential areas.
Technological Interventions: Mandating the installation of "Pedal Misapplication Prevention Devices" for those with low reaction speeds.
Scientific Testing: Shifting from traditional vision-centric exams to data-driven cognitive response evaluations.
 
Rising Social Concerns

The debate over elderly driving safety reached a fever pitch following the July 2024 Seoul City Hall station crash, which claimed nine lives. In 2023, accidents caused by drivers aged 65 and older accounted for 21.6% of all traffic accidents—the highest percentage on record.

While voluntary license surrender programs exist, participation remains low due to the lack of adequate transportation alternatives in rural areas. Experts emphasize that more granular, scientific management is now a necessity rather than an option to mitigate the growing risks of an aging society.