70 PLUS DRIVERS

As per the UN report 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year in the world. Half of all accidents the victims are pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists. 93% of all road accidents are in low and middle income group countries. They have 60% vehicles in the world. Over speeding, rash driving, violation of rules, failure to understand signs, fatigue and alcohol are prime causes of road accident committed by drivers. Carelessness, illiteracy, crossing at wrong places, moving on carriage way etc are causes for pedestrians. As per information 95% of all road accidents are caused due to human error at some point.

According to a study 84% people aged 65 and above hold driving licence in US . One sixth of drivers are above 65 in US. Under aged drivers death in road accident in India in 2018 were, male 1980 and female 157.  Norway is reported to have the best roads in the world, followed by Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and France.

Now, what is more important here is that there are some reports that the government of India is planning to stop giving driving licence to people 70 years and above. There are cars in many houses in  India now. Almost every old parents of these houses hold driving licence. They generally take the vehicle to visit the doctor, replenish the medicine used, visit temples, churches etc and such other things. In most houses they don't have drivers and also cannot afford one. Therefore, in these days, government should not try to prevent these parents from using their home vehicles by themselves.

K V George