Should elderly drivers be retested regularly, much like students preparing for an exam? Age alone does not determine one’s driving ability, but certain warning signs—such as slowed reflexes, declining vision, or hearing loss—should raise concerns about road safety.

A tragic incident in La Rochelle, France, brought this issue into sharp focus. An 83-year-old driver going the wrong way struck a group of children on bicycles, sparking outrage and prompting difficult questions about how long people can safely continue to drive. This heartbreaking event underlines the need to reconsider how society addresses aging and driving.

According to France’s Road Safety Authority, drivers over 75 are involved in as many accidents as those aged 18 to 24. The reason lies in natural age-related changes: vision and hearing deteriorate, reaction times slow, and cognitive functions may decline. These factors can combine to make driving more hazardous as people get older.

Unlike some countries, France does not set an upper age limit for driving. The standard Category B driver’s license remains valid for life unless revoked due to serious offenses. This contrasts with places like Italy and Germany, where drivers must undergo medical and vision checks starting at age 70 or 75 to maintain their licenses.

As the global population ages and more seniors remain active drivers, balancing their independence with public safety becomes increasingly important. Stricter testing or health evaluations could help identify individuals who may no longer be fit to drive, without unfairly restricting those who remain capable.

Ultimately, while age is not the sole factor in driving fitness, a system that monitors health and abilities more closely could reduce accidents and save lives. Reevaluating driving regulations might be a necessary step to ensure that elderly drivers stay safe on the road—and so does everyone else.