At a time when the simplification of administrative procedures and standards has become a kind of political mantra, some new rules would be good for public health. Such is the case with a proposal from the European Parliament's Transport Committee, which aims to call into question the principle of lifetime driving licenses. The measure is being discussed in the context of a European directive aimed at modernizing and harmonizing the rules governing the acquisition of this administrative document. A vote by MEPs is scheduled on Wednesday, February 28.
The idea is to require drivers to undergo a medical examination every 15 years from the time they obtain their driving license. This aptitude test would regularly check eyesight, hearing and reflexes to determine whether the driver can continue to drive safely. The measure would be unprecedented in France, Germany and Poland. But Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy already have systems in place that make renewal of a driving license conditional on a health assessment.
Put forward by French Green MEP Karima Delli, the proposal is part of a package of measures aimed at reducing the number of road deaths by 50% by 2030. In 2022, some 20,000 people lost their lives in road accidents in the European Union. While the end of licenses lasting a lifetime is likely to make only a modest contribution to the goal, the initiative meets two key needs.
Firstly, while it is possible to save lives through a simple precautionary measure, it is difficult to justify allowing people to continue driving even when, objectively, because of their age or state of health, they represent a danger not only to themselves but also to others. Accidents caused by unfit people arouse legitimate anger and incomprehension among the victims and their families. Every effort must be made to avoid such circumstances.
Indisputable medical evaluation grid
Secondly, the absence of rules concerning driving authorization often puts families in situations that are difficult to arbitrate. Getting a loved one to understand that it is no longer reasonable to drive is no easy task when the consequence is to limit their autonomy and mobility. The application of a universal rule, based on an indisputable medical evaluation grid, would help avoid many of the conflicts that families are sometimes powerless to resolve.
Lifetime licensing was introduced at a time when older drivers were a tiny minority. Whilst life expectancy in good health continues to rise, the aging of Europe's population should involve adapting legislation to this demographic upheaval. Although the accident rate among the elderly is proportionately lower than that of younger people, it will inevitably increase as more elderly people take to the roads.
The details involved in ending lifetime licenses are worthy of discussion. In particular, it would be necessary to modulate the frequency of tests according to age and to devise solutions to facilitate the mobility of people whose license is withdrawn. However, there should be broad consensus on the principle, as is already the case in a number of European countries. Nearly two out of three French people are already in favor.