by Dr Rahim Said
There’s a unique satisfaction in cruising the open road — feeling the hum of the engine, the freedom of movement, and the self-assurance that comes with decades of experience.
But for my business partner and me, both in our mid-sixties, this privilege may soon come under scrutiny. Recent suggestions that stricter licensing conditions for elderly drivers could be on the horizon, potentially affecting those of us who are healthy, alert, and far from slowing down.
Age vs. Ability: A Misguided Generalisation?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the statistics are clear: the proportion of elderly drivers involved in accidents has risen over the past few years. But is age alone a sufficient determinant of driving ability?
A 66-year-old who walks daily, plays tennis, and has excellent eyesight and reaction time is not the same as someone who has neglected their health and struggles with joint stiffness or slower reflexes.
Yet, the idea of imposing blanket health assessments and competency tests solely based on age perpetuates a problematic stereotype: that all elderly drivers are a risk. This logic overlooks the individuality of aging. Some 40-year-olds exhibit worse reaction times and cognitive sharpness than active 70-year-olds. Shouldn’t competency be evaluated across the board rather than targeting a specific age group?
The Slippery Slope of Ageism
Requiring health checks for drivers over 65 might seem like a reasonable precaution, but it sets a dangerous precedent. Such measures could pave the way for age-based restrictions that fail to consider the nuances of personal health and fitness.
What’s next? Mandating older passengers to use public transport because they’re deemed less capable of sitting comfortably in a Ferrari? (For the record, I’ve learned to roll out of my friend’s Ferrari with minimal humiliation.)
While countries like Japan and Australia impose similar conditions, the implementation must be handled delicately to avoid alienating seniors who rely on their cars for independence.
As has been rightly pointed out, driving represents freedom for many elderly individuals. It’s their connection to the world and their ability to live independently, especially in a society where public transport isn’t always accessible or reliable.
Health First, Age Second
Rather than focusing exclusively on seniors, Malaysia could adopt a more inclusive and pragmatic approach. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Periodic Competency Testing for All Drivers: Instead of singling out older drivers, introduce periodic health and competency assessments for all licence holders. Reflexes, vision, and cognitive tests every decade wouldn’t hurt anyone and would ensure road safety for everyone, regardless of age.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate families and individuals about recognising signs of declining driving ability. Encourage honest conversations about safety without stigma.
3. Better Infrastructure for Seniors: Develop safer driving environments, such as clearer signage, well-lit roads, and senior-friendly parking spaces, to accommodate the unique needs of older drivers.
Trust the Data, Not the Fear
Yes, the growing elderly population means more older drivers on the road. But context matters. Are the accidents involving seniors due to their age, or are other factors like road conditions, vehicle maintenance, or external drivers at fault?
Before tightening the rules, let’s ensure we’re addressing the root causes and not simply blaming a demographic.
The Freedom to Drive Another Day
For seniors like my partner and me, driving is more than a convenience; it’s a testament to our vitality. We’ve spent decades honing our skills on the road, adapting to changes in traffic laws and vehicle technology.
To strip away this privilege based on assumptions would be not only unfair but deeply demoralising.
Instead of penalising healthy, capable individuals, let’s foster a system that balances safety with respect for personal freedom. After all, age is just a number — but ability is what keeps us safely behind the wheel.
WE