TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A 77-year-old female driver, surnamed Pan (潘), drove her sedan against traffic in Sanmin District (三民區), Kaohsiung City (高雄市), Taiwan's second-largest city, on Thursday (Dec. 18) at 9 a.m., killing a 53-year-old mother. The crash killed the mother, surnamed Ting (丁), while her 20-year-old son, surnamed Huang (黃), sustained abrasions and contusions. Pan collided with the mother and son on a motorcycle.
Pan's vehicle first struck the motorcycle duo before hitting another car parked nearby, sandwiching the motorcycle. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, transporting the injured to the hospital for treatment. Pan claimed dizziness and discomfort, prompting police to escort her to the station for a statement. Authorities are investigating the accident's cause and circumstances.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (交通部) implemented the "Driving License Management System for Elderly Drivers" in July 2013, yet accidents involving elderly drivers remain prevalent. The policy mandates drivers over 75 years old to renew their licenses every three years, passing health examinations and cognitive function tests. Kaohsiung City's data from the past three years reveals a persistent issue, with 2,759 cases in 2023 resulting in 19 deaths and 2,310 injuries.
2024 saw 2,888 cases involving drivers over 75, with 25 fatalities and 2,299 injuries. From January to November 2025, 2,798 cases resulted in 10 deaths and 2,182 injuries in Kaohsiung City. The statistics highlight the ongoing challenge of elderly driver safety despite existing regulations and testing requirements.
