In Poland, as in other EU countries, the number of senior drivers is increasing. People over 60 years of age currently constitute approximately 17%. society, and their participation in road traffic is becoming more and more noticeable.
Discussions about new regulations, restrictions or orders related to driving licenses held by seniors have been going on for a long time in many countries.
At the beginning of October, the European Union decided on mandatory periodic tests for older drivers. Instead of uniform regulations for seniors, a solution has been introduced that gives Member States greater freedom. And older drivers will not have to undergo medical examinations.
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As “Rynek Zdrowia” explains, specialists emphasize that psychophysical functions deteriorate with age – reactions become slower, eyesight weakens, and decision-making time is extended by up to half compared to younger drivers.
Older drivers cause more accidents than younger ones?
Moreover, this is also reflected in the statistics on road accidents. Police data quoted by “Rynek Zdrowia” indicate that in 2024, drivers over 60 years of age were responsible for over 3.8 thousand accidents, in which 339 people died, and almost 4.3 thousand were injured.
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It is also worth emphasizing that seniors cause fewer accidents than younger, more reckless road users. Despite this, there has been an ongoing discussion for years on how to verify the skills and psychophysical fitness of drivers as they age.
Changes that will affect some drivers. The EU has made a decision
New EU regulations provide that Member States may introduce additional measures for older drivers, such as periodic medical examinations, health self-assessments and refresher courses.
As “Rynek Zdrowia” points out, however, this is not an obligation – the decision rests with individual countries. If additional controls are introduced, the validity of the driving license may be shortened to up to five years.
The number of senior drivers is growing. In Poland, people over 60 years of age currently constitute approximately 17%. population
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The directive gives countries the option to replace traditional medical examinations with a self-assessment form or another assessment developed at national level.
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This solution allows for greater flexibility and adaptation of the system to local needs and possibilities.
European Union countries have four years to implement the new regulations, which means that the changes must be introduced by November 26, 2029.
This time will allow countries to prepare appropriate driver testing systems, organize supervision and educate older people who actively participate in road traffic.
