The number of drivers who voluntarily returned their driver's license rose 42.7% to 601,022 last year, the largest number since the system was introduced in 1998, according to the National Police Agency.
The move is believed to have been prompted by growing public concern over the uncontrollable driving of an 88-year-old former director of the then International Trade and Industry Ministry in Ikebukuro district, Tokyo, last April.
According to the Agency, the number of people aged 75 or older is 350,428, which accounts for 58.3% of the total, up 20% from the previous year, and up 3.6 times from 2014. The number of those under 75 has also increased sharply, reaching 250,594, 1.9 times higher than the previous year.
On the other hand, the number of people who received a "driving history certificate" or identification documents, which replaced driver's licenses, increased 44.7% to 519,188, the highest number since the system was introduced in 2002.
As of the end of last year, about 5.83 million people aged 75 or older had licenses. In November last year, the National Police Agency opened #8080, a consultation dial service for elderly drivers and their families. "If you feel anxious about driving, please consult first." the Agency said.
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