The Rising Crisis of Elderly Drivers in Japan and the lack of respond by authorities.

Tokyo-Japan A policeman can be seen on his patrol car in Ueno as he ask other drivers to live a no parking and stoping area near Ueno Park. Photo: RV/ chilanga.com

In a tragic accident in Hamamatsu Shizuoka Prefecture on Monday, eight-year-old Koharu I, a second-grade elementary school girl lost her life, and another remains in critical condition after being struck by a car driven by 78-year-old Akihiko Furuhashi who run over four young girls. The driver was apprehended at the scene, yet the incident raises deeper concerns about road safety in Japan, particularly involving elderly drivers. it is importante to mention that according to local media reports the driver of the mini truck and a farmer admitted to hit the children from behind as they were on their bicycles but do not remember how it happen. Something that make many parent angry and disappointed about safety regulations that suppose to protect children.

This heartbreaking accident is not an isolated case. On February 21 of this year, in Minato City, Tokyo, a similar incident occurred when another elderly man of similar age and perhaps older than the driver in Shizuoka crashed his car into a pedestrian safety post and fled without notifying the authorities, violating traffic regulations.

Despite witnesses reporting the accident to 110, the Minato Police Department dismissed the case without conducting a thorough investigation, leaving the responsible driver unpunished. At the time of the incident, the police stated, "All parties involved are okay; therefore, the case has been closed."* However, according to one of the witnesses, the officers' conclusion about the February 21, 2025, accident was illegal and incorrect.

A few days after the accident, the same witness reported the incident to the City of Minato but was ignored and told that they had nothing to do with the case. The Mayor’s office was advised, the education department was informed, and the safety enforcement office for Minato City was also notified of the incident, yet no action was taken.

The pattern of elderly drivers causing accidents without facing appropriate consequences is alarming. Japan, with one of the world’s oldest populations, faces a growing challenge: how to ensure road safety while addressing the autonomy and mobility needs of its aging citizens. These incidents demand immediate governmental and societal intervention to prevent further tragedies.

The Need for Stricter Regulations

The rising number of accidents involving elderly drivers highlights the urgent need for stricter driving regulations. While Japan has introduced voluntary measures, such as incentives for seniors who surrender their licenses, enforcement remains weak. Authorities must implement mandatory testing for drivers over a certain age and strengthen penalties for hit-and-run incidents, regardless of the driver's age.

Furthermore, this issue extends beyond individual accountability—it is a systemic failure. The Minato case exemplifies a concerning trend where authorities fail to take road safety violations seriously, leading to a lack of justice for victims. If incidents like these continue to be ignored, public trust in law enforcement and the safety of pedestrians will erode.

A Call for Action

Many would argue that the tragic death of the two year young child in Shizuoka should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, law enforcement, and the public. Without proper action, the risk of preventable accidents will persist, endangering lives. It is time for a nationwide conversation on road safety reforms, including reassessing elderly driving policies, ensuring accountability in traffic incidents, and prioritizing pedestrian protection.

In a situation like this is difficult but important to remember what happen on May 9, 2019 when an elderly man also kill Miss Matsunaga and her baby girl as they were riding a bicycle, therefor Japan must act now before more innocent lives are lost.