In a tragic incident on December 19, a 78-year-old man in Sanxia, New Taipei City, ran a red light, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to twelve others. This accident has ignited widespread concern over elderly driving safety.

Japanese author Yasuo Shitaka, who has lived in Taiwan for years, recounted a similar incident from 2019 in Tokyo where an 87-year-old driver lost control, causing two deaths and nine injuries. This incident prompted profound reflections on senior driving in Japan.

Shitaka noted that Japan has implemented strict regulations for elderly drivers, requiring license renewal every five years, and those over 75 must pass a driving competency test to continue driving. Additionally, Japanese authorities have introduced various incentives, such as discounts on taxis, buses, hotels, and legal services, to facilitate daily movement for seniors.

In contrast, outside Taipei, Taiwan's public transportation is often inadequate, forcing many seniors to rely on driving. Despite stricter laws, Shitaka remarked that changing driving culture is challenging due to differing environmental conditions. He emphasized the need for enhancing driving safety awareness, stating, "Drivers who don't use turn signals cannot genuinely care about the safety of others." He urged society to address these issues before more tragedies occur.