The DGT and the debate on the new measures that can influence the over-65s to drive a car

Until now, drivers in this age group have had to renew their driving license every five years.

The latest data processed by the
General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), with 26% of the fatalities being in road accidents
more than 64 Although they have decreased from the previous statistic, these numbers show a
high accident rate For this reason, with the aim of increasing road safety while reducing the number of fatalities behind the wheel, the General Directorate of Traffic continues to consider stricter measures for drivers over 65 years of age.

It is a debate that has been on the table for a long time and that the air traffic controllers always make clear in their interventions. The deputy director of the DGT
Maria Jose Aparicio He made that clear during Vial Week, an event organized by the National Confederation of Driving Schools (CNAE).

Aparició pointed out that he wants
to check not only the validity period of the permits of the elderly, but
all validity periods “We know we’re going to have to taper off in people of a certain age.” However, the deputy director discussed the fact that “the elderly should be protected, but should always promote their mobility, security and freedom”.

To raise this issue, the deputy director of the DGT emphasized the data: «30% of deaths in road accidents in the European Union are over 65 years of age. Something that repeats itself in all countries and that reaches 50% when we talk about deceased pedestrians or cyclists. In Spain, in 2019, 28% of road accident fatalities were over 65 years of age. These figures are going to get worse if we don’t act, because of the aging population,” the deputy director of the DGT warned.

Peter NavarroDirector of Transportation, also spoke on the issue in an appearance before Congress’s Road Safety Commission, dropping that deadlines and psychophysical tests in the renewal of senior citizens’ licenses would be reviewed.

The
General Regulations for Drivers points out today that drivers between the ages of 18 and 65 are obliged to renew their driving licence
every ten yearss If this age limit is exceeded, every
five years For professional drivers over 65 years of age, the renewal takes place every three years.

« Limit yes, limit no «. The DGT follows the path of European policy that does not limit the validity of the driving license on the basis of age, but to limit driving to certain hours of the day or to certain areas. “The assessment of the elderly should be individualized, as there is great variability in their psychophysical state,” explains Elena Valdés, medical adviser to the DGT.

In this sense, although the over-65s approve the renewal of their driver’s license, 81% will experience some form of disability due to visual, perceptual-motor and auditory problems. “The most common types of restrictions are shortening the validity period below 5 years and restrictions on driving to certain areas and during the day,” the DGT said.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.