Accidents involving elderly motorists: Should seniors be allowed to drive?
SINGAPORE — A number of accidents involving elderly drivers in recent months have sparked debate over whether seniors should continue to take the wheel.
In September, at least two elderly drivers were involved in police investigations following separate accidents. One of them, aged 77, was arrested over an accident in Toa Payoh that led to the death of an 83-year-old cyclist. In another case, a 70-year-old driver's car collided with the rear of a double-decker bus at a Hillview bus stop.
Such accidents often draw hundreds of comments on social media, with netizens sparring over the merit of having a driving cut-off age.
In Singapore, the statutory age limit for taxi, private-hire car and heavy vehicle drivers is 75, but there is no restriction for those who do not drive for a living.
Motorists aged 65 and above, however, must be certified fit to drive by a Singapore-registered doctor once every three years in order to renew their licences.