Senior motorists weigh safety concerns against independence
PETALING JAYA: As debate grows over driving fitness assessments for elderly drivers, senior motorists themselves remain divided on the move.
For 74-year-old retiree Ahmad Hassan, driving is a necessity he tries to minimise.
Living in a quiet neighbourhood in Shah Alam, Ahmad said he only drives short distances for essentials such as groceries, medical appointments and banking.
“I don’t go far anymore. I avoid highways and long trips,” he said while acknowledging that age has naturally slowed his reaction time.
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He is increasingly aware of the risks that come with driving.
“If the authorities want to check our eyesight or health before renewing the licence, I think it is reasonable.
“I don’t mind being assessed if it keeps me and others safe,” he said, adding that many of his peers would likely cooperate if the process is simple and not overly burdensome.
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However, 71-year-old retired technician Lim Kian Huat argued that mandatory reassessments based on age would be inconvenient and unnecessary for many seniors.
Lim, who still drives regularly between his home and nearby commercial areas, said he has no issues with his driving ability and believes restrictions should be based on health, not age.
“I understand safety concerns, but not all of us are the same. Some of us are still very fit to drive,” he said.
While agreeing that reassessment may be acceptable in principle, it should not become an obstacle for seniors who are reliant on driving.
Lim also pointed out that in his area, public transport services and ride-hailing options are available and can reach residential neighbourhoods, reducing the need for strict dependence on private vehicles.
“If transport is accessible, then I think it’s fine. But if they make it complicated just because of age, then it becomes unfair,” he said, stressing that any policy should take into account the availability of alternatives and the practical realities of daily commuting.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Muhammed Hasbullah Ali said any proposal to require mandatory health or cognitive assessments for senior citizens should be backed by scientific evidence.
He said road safety remained its top priority and any measure capable of improving safety for all road users deserved due consideration.
“However, no policy decision has been made to make health or cognitive screening compulsory for elderly drivers wishing to renew their licence.
“Such proposals should be comprehensively assessed based on accident statistics, scientific evidence, international best practices and feedback from relevant stakeholders,” he said.
He added that any approach adopted must be fair, balanced and non-discriminatory, focusing on an individual’s ability to drive safely rather than age alone.
“We are prepared to provide our views and professional input with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) if the issue is raised at the inter-agency level,” said Comm Muhammed Hasbullah, who emphasised that road safety required cooperation among stakeholders that include the Transport Ministry, JPJ and others.
“The issue also requires the views of the Health Ministry.
“If a formal proposal is tabled, we will contribute enforcement findings, accident analyses and professional assessments to assist the government in making the best decision for road safety.”
