To Reduce Traffic Accidents Among Swiss Elderly, Academics Call for Driving Ability Classification System
Frequent traffic accidents involving elderly drivers in Switzerland have prompted academic institutions to propose a national classification system for drivers aged 75 and above based on their driving abilities, aiming to effectively reduce accidents and social harm.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 08:24
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Kuo Fang-chun, Zurich, 14th) In recent years, traffic accidents involving elderly drivers have been frequent in Switzerland, causing considerable social harm. The Lausanne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HES-SO) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have presented their latest research, calling for the establishment of a national classification system for drivers aged 75 and above based on their driving abilities, hoping this strategy can effectively reduce traffic accidents and social harm.
Statistical data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS) shows a significant increase in traffic accident risk for drivers aged 80 and above, especially for women over 80, whose incidence rate is much higher than men of the same age. Statistics also show that while elderly drivers reduce their mileage, they drive more frequently on complex urban roads. Furthermore, the elderly suffer more severe injuries in traffic accidents.
Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Government, HES-SO and ZHAW conducted research on elderly drivers. The latest research points out that Switzerland requires car drivers aged 75 and above to undergo a health check every two years, with a family doctor assessing their cognitive abilities and driving fitness. However, the current system has not reduced the occurrence of accidents.
Under the current system, if a doctor has doubts about an elderly person's driving ability, they can recommend revoking their license. Approximately 10% to 15% of those examined annually lose their independent driving qualification as a result. Although this system is considered helpful in identifying high-risk drivers early, the research also points out that its implementation still has obvious flaws.
As the current system is implemented separately by cantonal governments, evaluation standards vary by region, lacking national consistency. In addition, family doctors bear high pressure within the system, often falling into the ethical dilemma between "maintaining traffic safety" and "restricting patients' driving rights."
The research team therefore recommends that the federal government establish a nationally unified system and manage drivers aged 75 and above by dividing their driving abilities into four levels.
According to the research recommendations, drivers who reach Level 1 can maintain their existing license and continue driving; those in Level 2 should undergo a practical road driving assessment, conducted jointly by two professionals, including a specially trained driving instructor and an occupational therapist. The assessment process includes observing actual driving behavior as well as some medical examination content.
For those in Level 3, the research recommends re-taking driving training; for those in Level 4, the license should be revoked after professional assessment.
The research also points out that the relevant classification and assessment should be charged in the same way as general medical examinations, with the costs borne by the individuals concerned. The research estimates that by 2030, approximately 100,000 people in Switzerland may be classified into Level 2 or Level 3 annually, which could lead to longer waiting times for assessment than under the current system, and related costs may also further increase.
The research believes that although individuals will bear higher costs and longer waiting times, if the incidence of traffic accidents can be reduced, the overall social costs and risks will decrease.
Brigitte Gantschnig, a scholar involved in the research, also stated that some areas in Switzerland currently offer driving training courses for the elderly to help them maintain their driving abilities, but it is not yet widespread overall, and the authorities should consider expanding its promotion.
(Central News Agency reporter Kuo Fang-chun, Zurich, 14th) In recent years, traffic accidents involving elderly drivers have been frequent in Switzerland, causing considerable social harm. The Lausanne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HES-SO) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have presented their latest research, calling for the establishment of a national classification system for drivers aged 75 and above based on their driving abilities, hoping this strategy can effectively reduce traffic accidents and social harm.
Statistical data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS) shows a significant increase in traffic accident risk for drivers aged 80 and above, especially for women over 80, whose incidence rate is much higher than men of the same age. Statistics also show that while elderly drivers reduce their mileage, they drive more frequently on complex urban roads. Furthermore, the elderly suffer more severe injuries in traffic accidents.
Commissioned by the Swiss Federal Government, HES-SO and ZHAW conducted research on elderly drivers. The latest research points out that Switzerland requires car drivers aged 75 and above to undergo a health check every two years, with a family doctor assessing their cognitive abilities and driving fitness. However, the current system has not reduced the occurrence of accidents.
Under the current system, if a doctor has doubts about an elderly person's driving ability, they can recommend revoking their license. Approximately 10% to 15% of those examined annually lose their independent driving qualification as a result. Although this system is considered helpful in identifying high-risk drivers early, the research also points out that its implementation still has obvious flaws.
As the current system is implemented separately by cantonal governments, evaluation standards vary by region, lacking national consistency. In addition, family doctors bear high pressure within the system, often falling into the ethical dilemma between "maintaining traffic safety" and "restricting patients' driving rights."
The research team therefore recommends that the federal government establish a nationally unified system and manage drivers aged 75 and above by dividing their driving abilities into four levels.
According to the research recommendations, drivers who reach Level 1 can maintain their existing license and continue driving; those in Level 2 should undergo a practical road driving assessment, conducted jointly by two professionals, including a specially trained driving instructor and an occupational therapist. The assessment process includes observing actual driving behavior as well as some medical examination content.
For those in Level 3, the research recommends re-taking driving training; for those in Level 4, the license should be revoked after professional assessment.
The research also points out that the relevant classification and assessment should be charged in the same way as general medical examinations, with the costs borne by the individuals concerned. The research estimates that by 2030, approximately 100,000 people in Switzerland may be classified into Level 2 or Level 3 annually, which could lead to longer waiting times for assessment than under the current system, and related costs may also further increase.
The research believes that although individuals will bear higher costs and longer waiting times, if the incidence of traffic accidents can be reduced, the overall social costs and risks will decrease.
Brigitte Gantschnig, a scholar involved in the research, also stated that some areas in Switzerland currently offer driving training courses for the elderly to help them maintain their driving abilities, but it is not yet widespread overall, and the authorities should consider expanding its promotion.