In The Netherlands, individuals aged 70 years or above who want to renew their driving license have to undergo mandatory medical screening. Soon the age limit for a mandatory medical check will be increased to 75 years. The Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment is considering abolishing age-related mandatory screening because of the administrative burden it entails. According to research carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, it seems plausible that the mandatory medical screening for older drivers in The Netherlands increases traffic safety. However, there are insufficient data to give a concrete estimate of the number of traffic victims that it prevents. If medical screening of older drivers would be abolished, it is in any case advisable to introduce alternative measures to compensate for the negative impact on traffic safety. In 2012, 0.8% (N=2435) of elderly citizens who underwent medical screening were judged to be unfit for driving. In addition, 36% (N=109,278) were declared fit to drive under restrictions, such as a shorter period of validity of the license. Other examples of such restrictions are the obligation to wear glasses while driving; only being allowed to drive during daytime or to drive a car with certain technical requirements, such as a vehicle with automatic transmission. At most 1% of the people do not undergo the medical check, thus giving up their driving license. Approximately 15% of the people take preventive measures in order to pass the medical check. For instance, they acquire glasses, or they undergo cataract surgery before the medical investigation. In many countries, there is no age-dependent mandatory medical screening. Often, however, alternative measures are in force in such cases, meant to have people with medical conditions undergo medical evaluation, such as a reporting requirement. However, the various regulations are very divers and their effects on road safety unclear. It is not possible to recommend an alternative for the age-dependent medical screening based on regulations in other countries. (Author/publisher)
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