Dementia detected in 30,000 drivers in aging Japan
04-Nov-17, Nikkei Asian Review
Tougher testing of senior drivers in Japan has spotted some 30,000 with signs of dementia in six months - providing yet another reminder of the challenges facing the rapidly aging country.
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Image: Reuters
A revised traffic law introduced in Mar-17 strengthened dementia checks amid a spate of accidents involving older drivers. Japan's ratio of fatal cases involving seniors aged 75-plus came to 13.5% - up from 7.4% a decade earlier.
Under new rules, individuals who test positive for possible dementia are obliged to see a doctor for further examination. An official diagnosis will lead to their licenses being revoked or suspended.