Time to give it up.

Japan is doing something to improve safety that I think every country in the world should consider. They are enticing the elderly population (over the age of 65) to give up their driving privilages. Japan, which is home to the largest population of any country of people over the age of 65, had over 100,000 auto accidents last year caused by this age group. That is an accident EVERY 5 MINUTES casued by just the elderly drivers. So to combat this problem, Japan is making it worth giving up their licenses by working with public companies.

Currently Japan has over 30 offers that the no longer driving elderly can take advantage of. Included is a national bank offering a savings interest rate of 6%, which is more than 8 times the average of traditional accounts in Japan. A department store chain is offering 10% off all purchases and free same day delivery. Three different resturants offer discounts ranging from 10 - 25% off their bill as well. These are just some of the offers to name a few.

I know this will have a lot of people up in arms, especially when you consider that even my parents are just a few years from that number themselves (sorry M + D). If you do just a little research though, you will find that Japan is no where near the only country with this issue. Back here in the good 'ol USA, 19% of drivers are over the age of 62. This is up from a mere 7% back in 1987. Just like in Japan though, the elderly are taking the #1 rank in many areas of traffic accidents:

#1) 28% of accidents caused by a left turing vehicle were by drivers over the age of 65

#2) 24% of all accidents involving a fatality were by drivers over the age of 60

#3) 27% of all accidents involving a pedestrain were by drivers over the age of 60

#4) A whopping 36% of all accidents involving a bicycle were by drivers over the age of 63.

There are tons of these statistics. To be fair, there were some good stats as well ...such as only 2% of accidents caused by being under the influence involved drivers over the age of 65. One study did also show though, that while teen drivers (16-22) often have the highest insurance premiums, drivers over the age of 75 were 87% more likely to be in and found to be at fault in an accident during the day and an amazing 214% more likely at night.

Now before all you aging people get mad, I am not saying that you should stop driving as soon as you hit a certain age. I am just saying that for those people whose driving is in question by family members or even themselves, programs like Japan is offering may be the added bonus you need to hand over your license. I just think that programs like these should be in place for those who do need to hang up their keys.