Seoul National University researchers identify high-risk elderly drivers

A research team led by professors Kim Ki-woong and Han Ji-won at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital has identified a method to detect high-risk elderly drivers who may not realize their own declining abilities.

Analyzing data from 1,673 male drivers aged 60 and older participating in the Korean Cognitive Aging and Dementia Cohort Study (KLOSCAD), the study found that while self-reported traffic violations and accidents are strong predictors of future incidents, a significant 'silent risk group' exists. Approximately 38.3% of drivers involved in accidents over a two-year period had previously reported no history of violations or accidents, and their families were similarly unable to detect any warning signs.

To identify these individuals, researchers analyzed education duration and performance on a 'symbol connection test'—a cognitive test measuring the ability to shift attention between numbers and letters. The study revealed that drivers with nine years of education or less who took more than 180 seconds to complete the test had an accident rate of 20.9%, more than double the 9.1% rate of those who did not meet both criteria.

The researchers noted that these metrics are intended to identify individuals who require more precise driving ability assessments rather than to serve as a tool for restricting driving rights.