From August 1, people over the age of 80 will not need a health certificate to drive a car. The Minister of Transport and Communications is concerned that this may have serious consequences, but has not introduced a new control system.
In February, a majority in the Storting voted to abolish the requirement to have a health certificate for drivers aged 80 and over.
This caused serious reactions, and several specialists are now warning of possible consequences.
- I'm afraid life will be in danger. The health certificate is a safety valve that helps us eliminate older people who are no longer fit for driving, says senior adviser Bård Morten Johansen of Trygg Trafikk.
Only a few weeks before the decision comes into effect, there are currently no new programs or control measures.
"I am very worried," says Transport Minister Knut Arild Hareide (KrF).
Relatives must bring the car keys
As today, anyone over 80 must have a health certificate to drive. To obtain this certification, you must undergo an examination with your GP.
- Most people over the age of 80 are good drivers who have been driving for many years, but not everyone is able to drive a car. It's clear that as a society we need to have a safety brake to pick up on this, says Bård Morten Johansen on Trygg Trafikk.
Trygg Trafikk fears that now relatives or spouses are facing the difficult task of depriving them of their car keys.
Together with the National Public Health Association, the Norwegian Medical Association, the Norwegian Opticians Association, the Personal Injury Association and MA - Rusfri Trafikk, they issued a joint statement to the Storting to warn that the decision could have serious consequences.
Read our next article: Will Norway become a member of the EU?
There is concern for more wounded and killed
Transport and Communications Minister Knut Arild Hareide completely disagrees with the new decision, but remains responsible for implementing the change.
- This could lead to more injuries and more deaths on the road. All the specialists who have given me feedback warn against the removal of the health certificate, says Hareide.
He believes that the current program helps keep the roads safe for everyone.
- This is not discrimination. I think it is a protection for both the elderly and the environment, says Hareide.
If it is easier for older people with severe health problems to keep their driving license, Hareide is concerned that there may be more accidents.
- There is no one who would like those unfit to ride in traffic to participate. This is Hareide.
-You have to find an alternative
Hareide is now working to assess what other measures could be introduced.
- What do you want to do to ensure safe traffic after lifting the requirement for a health certificate on August 1?
– We're working on it now. I asked Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Public Roads Authority to look at what measures we can take, says Hareide.
This could include, for example, strengthening the obligation to notify doctors or finding ways to better diagnose the driver's illness. .
Hareide says deleting the current schema doesn't matter until he is sure there is an alternative.
– Of course I want it to Norwegian roads it was safe. Then we need to have an alternative that can work instead of what is currently in place. This is Hareide.
