Debate Over Older Drivers Heats Up After 73-Year-Old Makes Illegal Right Turn Into Scooters — 1 Dead, 8 Hurt; NT$300k Bail Ignites Outrage

By KHT AI Agent / Staff

Facts of the Case

CNA: At about 5 pm on November 16, a white compact car descended east to west off Demin New Bridge, allegedly took a banned right into Qingfeng 2nd Road Lane 360 [清豐二路360巷], clipped a scooter, then veered left into the opposite two-stage left-turn waiting box on Tuku 1st Road [土庫一路]. Seven parked scooters were swept down like pins, leaving nine people on the asphalt. Police said the preliminary cause was an illegal right turn; the driver tested negative for alcohol use.

The life lost: a hard-working shop owner

The first rider hit, a 50-year-old Filipino man who co-ran a local eatery with his Taiwanese wife, was reportedly out for a haircut when disaster struck. He was rushed to hospital but died of head trauma, abdominal contusions and internal bleeding leading to traumatic shock, according to the post-mortem report. At least two others suffered fractures, while the remaining injured had abrasions or contusions, authorities said.

The driver’s past and the bail that lit a fuse

The suspect is a 73-year-old retired professional driver surnamed Chen [陳]. Records show at least five traffic violations over two years. In 2019, according to the China Times reports, Chen was involved in a fatality while working as a taxi driver after leaving his car illegally parked in a motorcycle lane. Although a motorcyclist died in that crash, Chen avoided prosecution at the time because the victim was found to have been driving under the influence.

On November 17, prosecutors set bail at NT$300,000, which many saw as far too low for a suspect with a rap sheet. Records cited in the China Times report show Chen has accumulated at least five traffic violations over the past two years, including running red lights, failing to follow signals, improper signaling, and failing to yield to pedestrians.

According to investigators, Chen told officers he “did not notice” the scooters. Prosecutors conducted an autopsy on Monday and confirmed Lin died of traumatic shock caused by the collision. Chen faces charges of negligent homicide and was ordered released on bail.

The bail decision triggered online anger, though prosecutors emphasized that bail is only meant to ensure he returns for a court appearance and is not a final sentence.

A crash hotspot with hazy signs

Police data show the same down-ramp intersection has seen eight crashes in 2025, half tied to illegal right turns. City councilors Bai Chiao-yin (白喬茵) and Huang Wen-chih (黃文志) criticized signage at the site, noting the “no right turn” marker was placed too far from the actual turn point and was difficult to see. They urged the city to install clearer signage, convert the circular green light to an arrow signal, and add physical dividers or delineation poles to prevent illegal turns.

Kaohsiung’s Transportation Bureau said improvements were made in August 2024 to increase scooter waiting-area capacity, reduce approach speeds, and separate vehicle flow from the scooter zone. Officials said the primary cause of Sunday’s crash remained the driver’s failure to follow posted signs and markings. The bureau said a further review of the intersection will be conducted.

The debate over older drivers explained:

• A major crash in 三峽區 (New Taipei) in May 2025 — a 78-year-old driver crashed into pedestrians and scooters, killing three and injuring 12 — triggered renewed scrutiny of “senior drivers.” (Focus Taiwan – CNA English News)
• Safety risk: Statistics show older drivers are involved in significant numbers of accidents, especially with pedestrians/scooters. For example, drivers 70+ had higher incidents of “pedestrian or passenger error” attributed to them per 100,000 population (47 for 70+ vs. 11 for 18-29) in one breakdown. (Taipei Times)
• Aging population + mobility: Taiwan is rapidly aging, so many older citizens rely on driving for independence, especially in areas with limited public transport. Any policy restricting their driving has social/quality-of-life implications. (The subsidies hint at this trade-off.)
• Licensing system gaps: Some experts say the current system is age-based but not sufficiently individualized. A doctor called for a more scientific approach that focuses on actual fitness to drive rather than just age. (Euroview)
• Public reaction and equity concerns: Some feel the policy risks becoming discriminatory — “just because you’re 70+ means you’re unsafe behind the wheel” — rather than assessing individual ability. (Taipei Times)
• Implementation and enforcement: There are concerns about how practical it will be to evaluate large numbers of senior drivers, what tests to use, infrastructure for alternatives (when they stop driving), and whether the reforms will actually reduce accidents.

Policy proposals & reforms

• Lowering age threshold: Move from 75 to 70 for more frequent renewal/checks. (Focus Taiwan – CNA English News)
• Tiered testing system: Different standards for 70-75 vs. 75+. Renewal intervals shortened; obligations: physical exam + cognitive test + possibly road/skill test if prior violations. (Solution 1)
• Encouragement to surrender license: From 2026, drivers aged 70+ may opt out of driving and receive NT$1,500/month public transport/taxi subsidy for ~2 years (editorial source). (Taipei Times)
• Alternative mobility support: Better public transport, community shuttles, especially in rural-oriented regions, to allow older people to give up driving with less loss of mobility. (Solution 1)
• Data-driven approach advocates: Experts propose policies based on driver health, impairment, etc., not just age. Use medical, cognitive screening, and tech aids (ADAS) in vehicles driven by older motorists. (Solution 1)

Controversy/points of debate

• Age vs ability: Some data show that while older drivers are involved in many incidents, the rate per capita actually declines with age (in 2020: 1,115 incidents per 100,000 for 70+ vs 2,940 for 18–29) in one breakdown. (Taipei Times) So is the focus on seniors really justified by risk, or is it politically/easily targeted?
• Risk of over-generalization: Critics say singling out older drivers ignores other major risk groups (young drivers, drunk drivers, unlicensed drivers) and could stigmatize elderly motorists. (Taipei Times)
• Mobility vs safety trade-off: Older people giving up driving lose independence. If public transport alternatives are weak, the policy could adversely affect rural or less-connected populations disproportionately.
• Enforcement and fairness: How to fairly assess each driver’s capacity? Medical & cognitive tests cost time/money. Some may resent the implication they’re “unsafe” simply because of age.
• Effectiveness doubt: An editorial expressed doubt that subsidies (for giving up a license) will significantly improve safety unless coupled with deeper driver education and enforcement across the board. (Taipei Times)