In the wake of a tragic car crash in New Taipei’s Sanxia District that claimed the lives of three individuals and left 12 others injured, over 100 people gathered in Taipei on Sunday (May 25, 2025) for a rally demanding urgent government reforms to Taiwan’s driver license renewal system and pedestrian infrastructure.
The crash, caused by a 78-year-old man surnamed Yu (余) who ran a red light at high speed near an elementary school, has ignited a national conversation about the fitness of elderly drivers and the broader state of road safety in Taiwan. The driver remains in intensive care and has not yet been questioned by police as the investigation continues.
🎯 Key Points from the Rally
- Organized by NGOs: The protest was spearheaded by the Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance and the Next-gen Transportation Union, along with other road safety groups.
- Location: The march concluded outside the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, symbolically calling on the government to enact immediate policy changes.
- Primary Demands:
- Reform the driver’s license renewal system, especially for elderly drivers.
- Improve sidewalk infrastructure, particularly near schools and public institutions.
- Adopt universal cognitive testing, not just for seniors but drivers of all age groups.
🧠 Why the Current System Is Failing
Under Taiwan’s current system, drivers aged 75 and above are required to renew their licenses every three years, passing a basic medical check and a cognitive test. However, experts and advocates argue the assessments are far too superficial.
Sample questions from the test include:
- “What day is it today?”
- “How old are you?”
Critics say such questions fail to gauge real-world decision-making, reaction times, and risk perception — all vital for safe driving.
Furthermore, while cognitive decline is a concern in the elderly, several road safety advocates pointed out that dangerous or unfit driving is not limited to age.
“A 25-year-old using their phone while driving is as dangerous as a 78-year-old with slow reflexes,” said Chao Yi-cheng, a protestor. “The reform must be comprehensive.”
🚸 The Problem with Taiwan’s Sidewalks
In addition to licensing reform, rally participants called for urgent redesign of Taiwan’s sidewalks, especially in school zones.
Common issues include:
- Narrow or obstructed walkways (often blocked by parked scooters or poles).
- Lack of barriers between sidewalks and roads.
- Poor integration with intersections, putting pedestrians at risk even when they have the right of way.
“Sidewalks should protect people — not feel like a danger zone,” said a protestor who identified himself only as David. “We’ve been to too many protests. Nothing changes.”
🇹🇼 Taiwan’s Road Safety Crisis: The Bigger Picture
According to Taiwan’s National Police Agency, over 2,800 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2024. Pedestrians and scooter riders make up a significant share of those deaths.
Despite previous campaigns and initiatives, Taiwan has yet to adopt a Vision Zero policy — a global road safety movement aimed at eliminating all traffic deaths.
“The culture here still prioritizes car speed and convenience over human life,” said an official from the Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance. “It’s time to reverse that.”
🧩 Recommendations from Experts
- Comprehensive and frequent driver evaluations:
- Simulated driving tests.
- Real-world reaction and hazard perception assessments.
- Review of driving history and violation records.
- Sidewalk infrastructure overhaul:
- Physical barriers between traffic and pedestrians.
- Enforced scooter parking bans on sidewalks.
- Wider, unobstructed walkways in school and hospital zones.
- Data-driven safety policy:
- Utilize accident data to identify black spots.
- Publicly release road safety audits.
- Transparent evaluation of traffic law enforcement efficiency.
🙋♂️FAQs
Why are people calling for reform in Taiwan’s driver license renewal system?
Because current assessments for elderly drivers are seen as ineffective in detecting those who may pose safety risks, such as poor reaction time or judgment issues.
Is age the only factor in unsafe driving?
No. Protestors emphasized that unsafe driving occurs across all age groups. Distractions, fatigue, and recklessness affect younger drivers as well.
What sidewalk improvements are being requested?
Wider, unobstructed sidewalks, physical separations from roads, and improved crosswalk safety — especially near schools.
What is Vision Zero, and has Taiwan adopted it?
Vision Zero is an international road safety initiative aiming to eliminate all traffic deaths. Taiwan has not officially adopted it, but many NGOs are urging the government to do so.
What happens next after the protest?
Organizers plan to submit policy proposals and demand meetings with Ministry of Transportation officials in the coming weeks.
