TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Civic groups rallied in Taipei on Sunday to demand stricter driver’s license regulations, particularly for elderly motorists, following a fatal accident in New Taipei’s Sanxia District.
The “Protect the Next Generation” march was organized by the Student Pedestrian Union and the Taiwan Vision Zero Alliance, two organizations focused on improving pedestrian and traffic safety. The protest drew 200 to 300 participants, including several online influencers, despite the rain, per UDN.
The protest followed a tragic crash in Sanxia earlier this month, when an elderly driver plowed into a group of mostly junior high school students, killing three.
Marchers called on the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to strengthen oversight and implement tougher licensing rules for elderly drivers and those with a record of dangerous behavior.
The organizers outlined three key demands. First, they urged a revamp of the driver’s license testing process to better prioritize pedestrian safety. Second, they called for a stricter renewal system for elderly drivers to ensure those with diminished physical or cognitive abilities do not pose a risk on the road.
The MOTC is reportedly considering lowering the threshold for mandatory license renewals from age 75 to 70 and tightening assessment standards for senior drivers, per UDN.
Activists also demanded follow-up evaluations for elderly drivers who suffer from medical conditions that could impair their driving ability.
Lastly, the groups advocated for the installation of new safety technologies and improved road engineering in high-traffic pedestrian areas. Speakers proposed mandating anti-collision systems in vehicles to automatically brake in emergency situations or when sensors detect a high risk of collision.




