Downtown Taipei Traffic Crash Involving Elderly Unlicensed Driver Injures 8
A major traffic incident in downtown Taipei on Friday, May 23, 2025, has triggered public discourse around road safety, elderly drivers, and licensing laws in Taiwan. Around 2:19 p.m., a black sedan, driven by a 78-year-old unlicensed man, ran a red light at high speed and collided with a bus and three other vehicles, leaving eight people injured, including a pedestrian and two scooter riders.
The crash occurred on Chongqing South Road, Section 1, just two blocks from the Presidential Office, a densely populated and traffic-heavy area in Taipei. Surveillance and dash cam footage shows the vehicle ignoring a red light at the Wuchang Street intersection, slamming into stationary vehicles near Xiangyang Road.
🚑 Injuries and Immediate Impact
According to the Taipei City Police Department, the victims include:
- A 69-year-old pedestrian, who sustained a fractured leg.
- Two scooter riders with abrasions on their limbs.
- The driver himself, surnamed Chiu (邱), and four other passengers/drivers from the vehicles involved, were transported to nearby hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
Fortunately, no deaths have been reported. Traffic was snarled in central Taipei for over an hour until the damaged vehicles were towed and the scene was cleared.
❗ Driver Profile Raises Questions on System Oversight
What shocked authorities and the public most was that the driver:
- Was 78 years old.
- Did not possess a valid driver’s license.
- Tested negative for alcohol, but further toxicological tests are underway to rule out medication or cognitive impairment as contributing factors.
This incident has reignited debates about:
- Elderly drivers’ fitness assessments.
- The monitoring of license validity.
- Gaps in the system that allow unlicensed individuals to operate vehicles in high-traffic zones.
🧠 Analysis: The Larger Problem of Aging Drivers in Taiwan
Taiwan’s population is aging rapidly, and the number of senior citizens holding driver’s licenses is increasing. However, mandatory medical checkups for drivers over 75 are still under review in the legislature.
This crash highlights two critical loopholes:
- Unlicensed driving often goes undetected until accidents occur.
- Urban centers lack real-time enforcement mechanisms to catch traffic rule violations proactively.
Road safety activists have long pushed for smart traffic surveillance systems and stricter vehicle monitoring, especially in school zones, hospital perimeters, and areas near government buildings like where this crash occurred.
📈 Government Reaction and Public Sentiment
Officials have so far remained cautious in their statements. Police officials confirmed that charges will be filed once the medical evaluation is completed.
Civic groups are urging:
- Stricter licensing policies for seniors.
- Mandatory psychological and reflex testing beyond a certain age.
- Real-time penalties for red-light running using AI-based monitoring systems.
There is growing support for legislation requiring family members of elderly people to report declining driving ability, a law similar to what exists in Japan.
✅ FAQs
Who caused the Taipei car crash on May 23, 2025?
A 78-year-old man surnamed Chiu, who was driving without a valid license, caused the accident by running a red light.
How many people were injured in the incident?
A total of 8 individuals were injured, including a pedestrian, two scooter riders, and the driver himself.
Was alcohol involved?
Initial tests were negative for alcohol, but further drug and cognitive tests are being conducted.
Are there legal consequences for unlicensed elderly drivers in Taiwan?
Yes. Driving without a license is a criminal offense. The driver may face fines, imprisonment, or both.
Is Taiwan planning to regulate elderly drivers more strictly?
There is increasing public and legislative pressure to tighten regulations for elderly drivers, including routine checkups and fitness tests after age 75.
