What an ageing world can learn from Japan's campaign to get seniors driving safely

Ageing populations are posing a wide range of challenges in countries around the world. In Japan, the challenge includes ensuring safety on the road, with rising numbers of senior drivers (over the age of 65). According to the National Police Agency, the ranks of senior drivers increased from approximately 7.89 million to 19.84 million between 2003 and 2023; a 2.5-fold increase.

A Cabinet Office survey sheds light on mobility among those aged 60 and older. According to the report, over 60% of people between the age of 65 and 74 rely on their own car for transportation, while the reliance declines gradually with age to 45.7% for the age group between 75 and 79, and 26.4% for those who are 80 and older. Yet more than half of these seniors relying on cars drive daily in all age groups. The survey also revealed a trend based on location: Residents of smaller communities, such as towns and villages, are more likely to depend on driving their cars for getting around.

As people age, their driving abilities often decline due to impairments in vision, motor skills, and cognitive functions, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. In 2022, senior drivers were involved in 4,579 traffic accidents (15.2% of the total recorded).

At the same time, driving is particularly crucial in rural areas, where public transportation options are limited compared to urban centres. Losing access to personal transportation can significantly impact individuals’ mobility and their ability to maintain social connections, which in turn affects the resilience of entire communities.

Ensuring the safety of senior drivers while maintaining traffic safety remains a critical challenge in Japan. While the testing of self-driving cars and other innovative vehicles are underway for a potential future solution, the government and companies are actively seeking ways to provide safe, reliable and independent transportation options for seniors.

In Japan, there is no fixed upper age limit for driving. However, under the Road Traffic Law, drivers aged 70 and older are required to complete a safety course when renewing their licenses, providing an opportunity to review and reinforce safe driving practices.

At the same time, drivers aged 70 and older are also encouraged to display the “Momiji Mark” on their vehicles. This autumn leaf-shaped sticker signals to others that the vehicle is being operated by a senior driver, promoting caution and awareness among all road users.

For drivers aged 75 and above, additional measures are in place. These include cognitive function test and a driving skill test as part of the renewal process. If the cognitive test indicates potential signs of dementia, a medical evaluation by a specialist is mandated; in instances where a driver is diagnosed with dementia, they will not be eligible to renew the license. Similarly, if a driver fails the driving test during the renewal period, their regular vehicle license is revoked.

These measures aim to enhance safety by fostering greater self-awareness among senior drivers and encouraging cooperation from other road users to ensure safer roads for everyone.

According to the National Police Agency, drivers aged 75 and older are involved in 60% of the fatal accidents caused by pedal misoperation in 2023. In response, efforts are actively underway to advance vehicle technology and prevent such operational errors.

A key initiative involves promoting "support cars", or vehicles equipped with advanced safety features including automatic braking. These cars are endorsed through collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors as part of broader measures to improve road safety.

Support cars primarily fall into two categories. One includes vehicles equipped with “Collision Damage Mitigation Braking” systems. This technology, initially developed by Honda, uses millimetre-wave radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead. If a collision seems likely, the system issues an audible warning to alert the driver. Should the vehicle get too close, the system automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision. In Japan, all new domestically manufactured vehicles are required to include this safety feature since November 2021.

The other category is the “Acceleration Control for Pedal Error (ACPE) ” system, developed by automotive parts manufacturer Denso in collaboration with Toyota. This system uses sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and regulates acceleration if the driver presses the accelerator pedal near an object. Currently, 90% of new cars in Japan are equipped with ACPE. In November 2024, the system was adopted as an international standard by the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).

To further enhance safety, the government introduced a limited license for support cars in May 2022. This enables senior drivers who are concerned about their driving abilities to continue driving, but only in vehicles equipped with advanced safety features such as ACPE. This initiative ensures personal mobility while prioritizing the safety of both the driver and their surroundings, offering an alternative to ceasing driving entirely.

For many, driving is more than just a mode of transportation. It represents independence and plays a crucial role in maintaining social connections, particularly in rural areas with ageing populations. The World Economic Forum's Longevity Economy: Financial Resilience for Every Generation initiative highlights the importance of creating systems and environments that promote social engagement and purpose. Creating systems that enable seniors to drive safely for as long as possible aligns with this principle.

As the world's most elderly society, with 29.3% of its population aged 65 or older, Japan has a unique opportunity to serve as a model. By implementing effective policies and pioneering innovative technologies to enhance road safety for senior drivers, Japan can demonstrate one of the ways to build resilient communities in an ageing world.