Japan to make driving tests harder for some older motorists

TOKYO: Japan will make driving tests harder for some older motorists to curb the number of accidents caused by elderly people mistaking the accelerator for the brake, police said on Thursday (Sep 3).Deadly traffic accidents caused by drivers over 75 are on the rise in Japan despite a general downward trend, reflecting the increasing proportion of older people in the population.Around 18 per cent of fatal accidents last year were caused by drivers in that age group, according to the National Police Agency (NPA).The agency said it would implement "necessary measures" in response to recommendations by an expert panel that some drivers be required to perform additional manoeuvres during their practical tests. The new rules will affect motorists over 75 with a history of traffic violations, the