Taxi Mayhem

"For too long, Hong Kong has turned a blind eye to the potential dangers posed by ageing taxi drivers."

Terrifying footage of an out-of-control taxi, driven by an 80-year-old, smashing a tourist against a pillar outside the Nina Hotel, has sparked renewed demands for government action. In this incident, the 35-year-old victim, a visitor from the Philippines, was rushed to the hospital, where they were declared dead.  

For too long, Hong Kong has turned a blind eye to the potential dangers posed by ageing taxi drivers. While it's important to acknowledge the valuable contributions of elderly drivers, the government's foremost duty is to ensure public safety and driver welfare by enforcing reasonable age limits.

The government cannot claim ignorance. A 2020 Transport Department report indicated that drivers aged 70+ were involved in 15 per cent more accidents per kilometre driven than middle-aged drivers. 

According to the latest government figures, the number of taxi drivers aged 70 or above involved in traffic accidents reached 651 last year, compared with 626 in 2023 and 454 in 2022. The upward trend is clear.

Hong Kong’s taxi industry plays a vital role in the city’s transportation system, serving millions of residents and visitors annually. However, as the population ages, an increasing number of elderly taxi drivers remain on the roads, raising concerns about public safety, driver well-being, and service quality.

The risks associated with elderly taxi drivers are well recognised: declining physical and mental capabilities. As people age, their reflexes, sight, and hearing naturally worsen. Medical research shows that drivers over 70 have slower reaction times, which are crucial for avoiding accidents. 

Additionally, diminished night vision increases the dangers at night. We also know that as we get older, we become more susceptible to fatigue, which can lead to microsleeps or delayed responses.  

Elderly drivers are also more susceptible to sudden medical emergencies, such as heart attacks or strokes, that can cause them to lose control of their vehicles. Additionally, diabetes-related complications like hypoglycemia can lead to dizziness. Lastly, arthritis and joint pain can impair steering and braking efficiency.  

Unlike private car drivers, taxi drivers work long shifts (often over 10 hours), which increases fatigue-related risks. 

Japan has a mandatory retirement age of 75 for taxi drivers, supported by strict annual health checks after 65. The UK has no fixed limit, but all drivers must undergo medical tests every year after the age of 60. In Singapore, taxi drivers must retire at 75 unless they pass enhanced tests, including a compulsory simulator assessment. 

Under current Hong Kong regulations, only those aged 70 or above are required to submit medical reports, while their driving licences can be renewed for up to three years. The fitness certification assesses areas such as the driver’s eyesight, mental state, skeletal and muscular systems, balance and coordination, hearing, and other health indicators. There is no simulator test. 

The reality is that many older drivers continue working due to financial pressures. Instead of pushing them into unsafe working conditions, the government should provide transitional retirement support, such as enabling part-time or flexible driving roles for semi-retired drivers. And naturally, by strengthening pensions for the elderly, they would be less likely to remain in poverty.

If Hong Kong aims to uphold its reputation for a safe public transport system, it must ensure that drivers meet strict health and competency standards. Implementing a mandatory retirement age or more rigorous medical examinations could prevent tragedies.  

These measures could not only enhance public safety but also improve the industry's reputation and service quality. A good start would be mandatory annual medicals for all taxi drivers over 65, with full retirement at 75 unless exceptional health is proven. 

By learning from global best practices and implementing phased reforms, Hong Kong can modernise its taxi sector, reduce accidents, and ensure a safer transport network for all.

 The time to act is now.