In a bid to reduce road accidents, the Italian Parliament is considering banning drivers over the age of 80, the Telegraph reports. The idea is based on an assumption that drivers over 80 are less alert and less able to concentrate than younger people.
The minimum age for holding a car driving licence in Italy is 18 and people under 50 have to renew their licence every ten years. Those aged between 50 and 70 must renew their licence every five years and, after the age of 70, every three years. Drivers have to provide medical certificates regarding their physical and mental health at each renewal but they do not have to take a practical test.
Sandro Salvati of the Italian Road Safety Association points to a lot of new gadgets in cars which could distract drivers as well as older distractions such as lighting a cigarette. His organisation estimates that 30% of Italy’s road accidents are caused by such distractions every year.
Italy has one of the highest toll of road accident fatalities in Europe and in 2008 this led the government to take a “zero tolerance” approach to those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do you think the proposed ban is “ageist”?
