A tragic accident in La Rochelle has people questioning how old is too old to drive. After an 83-year-old driver collided with children on bikes, many are calling for new policies to ensure road safety for seniors—and everyone else.
Surprisingly, data reveals that drivers over 75 have accident rates comparable to those of young adults. While not all older drivers are unsafe, age-related declines in vision, hearing, and reaction time can increase risks.
France currently has no mandatory driving tests for seniors, unlike some European neighbors. But voluntary options exist, like medical check-ups and refresher courses designed for older drivers. Some even recommend switching to automatic cars or limiting driving to daylight hours.
Rather than imposing strict bans, perhaps the best approach is encouraging seniors to assess their abilities and adapt—because safe driving isn’t just about age, but awareness.
