Japan's Older Drivers: Special gadgets help seniors reduce accidents

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02:26

Staying in Japan, where growing numbers of older people are continuing to drive. In the past five years, the number of driving license holders aged 60 and older has grown to double that of those aged 29 and younger. That's why more and more cars are fitted with special safety devices for senior drivers. Here's Terrence Terashima again.

27 percent of Japan's population are said to be over 65 years old. And with an accelerating aging society, comes rapid increase in elderly drivers. Particularly in the rural areas where elderly residents have to drive themselves to shop or for work.

According to a government survey, in 2017 one in three people over 75 had a drivers license last year. That's an increase of 7.3 percent from the previous year. And the number is expected to keep growing.

And unfortunately, traffic accidents caused by older drivers has also seen a rapid increase.

Police data shows most were as a result of slow or lack of response, or mistakenly stepping on gas pedal or brakes. 18 percent of accidents in Tokyo were caused by drivers over 65 years old.

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "No matter how careful you are there is always a moment where you or other drivers slip up. That's where these gadgets come in handy to prevent careless accidents."

Japanese auto manufacturers have developed and installed safety mechanisms in their new lineups, such as auto brakes and counteracting rapid accelerations. But for those that cannot afford to buy a new car, most autoshops will offer similar devices.

SHINGERU SAKAMOTO CAR LIFE ADVISOR, AUTOBACS SEVEN "You can install this in any electronically-controlled cars. This device can detect a sudden push on the axle pedal, and prevent the car from accelerating rapidly."

Experts say, there's an increasing need for these types of accident prevention devices, and on-board cameras. As in some areas, there are more deaths involving elderly drivers than accidents caused by people under 65.

Japan's traffic safety association said one reason is that elderly drivers seem more confident of their driving skills, due to their pride in their lengthy driving experience. Many don't realise their physical coordination and response times have deteriorated.

Experts say, raising awareness among older drivers of this issue is also important, Terrence Terashima CGTN Tokyo.