A self-diagnosis assessment of driving ability using virtual reality (VR) will be introduced to the aptitude test taken by drivers aged 75 or older to renew their driver’s licenses. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea will implement virtual reality technology to help assess the driving capabilities of motorists aged 75 and older during their license renewal process, government officials announced on February 12.
The initiative is part of a pedestrian safety action plan jointly developed by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency.
According to officials, the police will pilot a self-diagnostic system using VR technology for elderly drivers’ regular aptitude tests by the end of this year. The system simulates real-world driving conditions, allowing drivers to evaluate their ability to handle various scenarios, including unprotected left turns and unexpected situations while cornering.
If the self-assessment indicates significantly diminished driving capabilities, authorities will provide counseling and encourage the voluntary surrender of driving licenses.
“We’re introducing this self-diagnostic system in response to recurring traffic accidents involving elderly drivers and our transition to a super-aged society,” a police official said. “The decision to expand the program will be based on the pilot’s results.”
The plan also includes establishing standards for devices that prevent pedal misoperation among elderly drivers.
To improve child safety, authorities will expand protective infrastructure in school zones, including sidewalks, vehicle barriers, and smart crosswalks. A comprehensive school zone management system will be launched next month.
The government also outlined measures to eliminate pedestrian hazards. High-risk back streets in urban areas will be designated as “pedestrian priority roads” and marked as such on navigation systems.
Additional safety improvements include installing right-turn signals at accident-prone intersections, relocating crosswalks away from intersections, and upgrading speed reduction facilities.
Protective barriers will be installed in areas where vehicles might veer onto sidewalks, while plazas and historic sites with high pedestrian traffic will be equipped with anti-vehicle barriers as part of a pilot project.
The government also plans to introduce legislation governing the safety and use of personal mobility devices.
“While South Korea’s traffic fatalities have decreased to OECD levels, pedestrian deaths remain high,” said Lee Han-kyung, director of the ministry’s disaster and safety management division. “We will focus on protecting vulnerable pedestrians and creating a safe traffic environment for all citizens.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
