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Study Questions Age-Based Driving License Regulations for Seniors
Chronological age, personal physicians should not decide when someone can't drive, study reveals
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A new study suggests that chronological age and personal physicians should not solely determine a senior's ability to drive. Conducted by researchers in Israel, the study emphasizes the need for tailored assessments of cognitive and physical capabilities, rather than relying on age alone, to ensure road safety for elderly drivers.
- 01In Israel, over 680,000 licensed drivers are aged 65 and older, representing 13.8% of all licensed drivers.
- 02The study reviewed age-related medical exam policies across 38 OECD countries, finding that 32 have specific requirements, with many starting at age 70.
- 03Emeritus Prof. Francis Mimouni highlighted that cognitive function varies widely among individuals, making age-based restrictions problematic.
- 04The Health Ministry's Medical Institute for Road Safety is responsible for assessing elderly drivers, but there is a backlog of requests for evaluations.
- 05Dr. Sefi Mendlovic aims to reform the assessment process to better evaluate elderly drivers' capabilities and improve road safety.
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A recent study led by emeritus Prof. Francis Mimouni and Dr. Sefi Mendlovic from Israel's Health Ministry challenges the reliance on chronological age and personal physicians to determine if seniors can continue driving. The research found that over 680,000 Israelis aged 65 and older hold a driver's license, yet many may not be actively driving. Current regulations in Israel require medical and vision tests for drivers over 70, but the study suggests that cognitive function varies significantly among individuals, making age-based assessments inadequate. The researchers reviewed policies in 38 OECD countries, discovering that many nations set the exam threshold at age 70. Mimouni argues that each country should tailor its assessments based on its population's needs. Dr. Mendlovic is working to streamline the evaluation process at the Medical Institute for Road Safety, which currently faces a backlog of requests. The goal is to ensure that elderly drivers are assessed fairly, improving road safety for all.
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The study's findings could lead to reforms in how elderly drivers are assessed, potentially allowing more seniors to retain their driving privileges while ensuring safety on the roads.
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