Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

A recent tragic incident in Sanxia, where an elderly driver caused a fatal accident near a school, has renewed public concern about senior driving safety. The Taipei City Government Department of Transportation announced today that a new training program designed specifically for senior drivers will begin on October 17. The initiative draws on Japan’s experience and was developed in collaboration with experts, scholars, and the Automotive Driver Education Association. Participants who complete the program will receive a subsidy of NT$3,000, helping more seniors join the training with confidence.

The Department of Transportation explained that Japan, as a super-aged society, has long faced issues related to high numbers of senior drivers and related accidents. Japan addressed this challenge through specialized training programs and capability assessments that help seniors evaluate their driving skills and reduce crash risks while maintaining their mobility. Taipei’s new program adapts these concepts for local needs. Training includes reaction tests, emergency braking, updates on traffic regulations, and refreshed road-safety awareness. The training also incorporates on-road practice such as S-curve driving, hill starts, crosswalk visibility checks, targeted braking, and response training for uneven surfaces. Professional driving instructors and appropriate class sizes will ensure training is both safe and suitable for senior participants.

The Department noted that senior driving affects not only the safety of the drivers themselves but also the well-being of their families and the wider community. This program supports seniors in maintaining driving independence while giving families and pedestrians greater peace of mind.

The city highlighted that this senior driver training follows the earlier senior motorcycle training initiative, making Taipei the first in the nation to offer both. Full or partial subsidies will be provided to encourage seniors to enroll. Future policy adjustments will be considered based on program results, creating a more complete safety framework for senior mobility.

The city emphasized its message: protecting seniors means protecting pedestrians. Education and support will help build a safer and more caring transportation environment.