TTSB Releases Investigation Report on Sanxia Car Accident, Urges Stricter Health Checks for Elderly Drivers
Following a fatal accident in Sanxia last May involving a 78-year-old driver, the Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) has released an investigation report. The report attributes the accident to poor vehicle control and suggests that hyperglycemia may have impaired the driver's performance. The TTSB has recommended that the Directorate General of Highways strengthen health check-ups and cognitive tests for elderly driver license renewals.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 12:35
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The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board (TTSB) released an investigation report this week regarding a car accident in Sanxia District, New Taipei City, last May, which resulted in 4 deaths and 12 injuries. The report suggests the accident was caused by the 78-year-old driver's inability to properly control the vehicle. While there is no direct evidence linking the accident to hyperglycemia, the TTSB noted that the condition could have affected the driver's performance and recommended that the Directorate General of Highways (DGH) strengthen health check-ups for elderly driver license renewals.
On the afternoon of May 19 last year, a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu drove into a series of bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians while turning from Xuecheng Road into Guocheng Street and Fuxing Road in Sanxia District. The vehicle eventually stopped after hitting a light pole on the median of Fuxing Road.
Regarding the cause, the TTSB found that the driver failed to control the vehicle during a left turn and reversing maneuver, hitting the median and other vehicles. Subsequent improper pedal and gear operations caused the vehicle to accelerate into Guocheng Street.
According to the TTSB, the driver continued to accelerate after entering Guocheng Street. Despite attempts to avoid pedestrians and vehicles, there was no deceleration. The driver showed poor coordination in steering, braking, and acceleration, leading to the accident.
Based on the driver's performance in this and previous incidents, the TTSB observed inaccuracies in steering and improper pedal pressure and timing. While no evidence directly links the accident to hyperglycemia, the condition can cause fatigue and dizziness, potentially lowering driving performance. Long-term poor blood sugar control also increases the risk of cognitive decline.
The TTSB noted that an unintended acceleration prevention system might have mitigated the accident. The investigation confirmed that the vehicle's tires, steering, and braking systems were normal, and there was no evidence of alcohol involvement or interference from floor mats.
Furthermore, the TTSB criticized the DGH's current health check-up protocols for elderly drivers, noting a lack of medical guidelines for physicians and insufficient assessment criteria for physical and mental health. It also suggested that the current cognitive tests lack indicators for attention and reaction time, and that providing practice questions may undermine the test's credibility.
The DGH responded that it held a medical advisory meeting in April and added a self-declaration form for drivers over 75 to provide supplementary information for physicians. It stated that it would continue to review cognitive testing methods in consultation with medical experts.
On the afternoon of May 19 last year, a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu drove into a series of bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians while turning from Xuecheng Road into Guocheng Street and Fuxing Road in Sanxia District. The vehicle eventually stopped after hitting a light pole on the median of Fuxing Road.
Regarding the cause, the TTSB found that the driver failed to control the vehicle during a left turn and reversing maneuver, hitting the median and other vehicles. Subsequent improper pedal and gear operations caused the vehicle to accelerate into Guocheng Street.
According to the TTSB, the driver continued to accelerate after entering Guocheng Street. Despite attempts to avoid pedestrians and vehicles, there was no deceleration. The driver showed poor coordination in steering, braking, and acceleration, leading to the accident.
Based on the driver's performance in this and previous incidents, the TTSB observed inaccuracies in steering and improper pedal pressure and timing. While no evidence directly links the accident to hyperglycemia, the condition can cause fatigue and dizziness, potentially lowering driving performance. Long-term poor blood sugar control also increases the risk of cognitive decline.
The TTSB noted that an unintended acceleration prevention system might have mitigated the accident. The investigation confirmed that the vehicle's tires, steering, and braking systems were normal, and there was no evidence of alcohol involvement or interference from floor mats.
Furthermore, the TTSB criticized the DGH's current health check-up protocols for elderly drivers, noting a lack of medical guidelines for physicians and insufficient assessment criteria for physical and mental health. It also suggested that the current cognitive tests lack indicators for attention and reaction time, and that providing practice questions may undermine the test's credibility.
The DGH responded that it held a medical advisory meeting in April and added a self-declaration form for drivers over 75 to provide supplementary information for physicians. It stated that it would continue to review cognitive testing methods in consultation with medical experts.
FAQ
What is the age threshold for driver's license renewal in Taiwan?
In Taiwan, drivers aged 75 and older are required to undergo health check-ups and cognitive tests when renewing their licenses.