Almaty police explain how drivers over 65 will be checked

Almaty police will implement checks on drivers over 65 as part of routine patrols, emphasizing that these checks are not targeted but rather a measure with "positive intent." Saltanat Azirbek, spokesperson for the Almaty Police Department, clarified that drivers might be stopped for other violations, such as not wearing a seatbelt, and that there will be no systematic effort to single out senior drivers.

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A measure with positive intent

Azirbek explained that the initiative aims to care for drivers themselves, citing alarming accident statistics. She noted that elderly drivers can become involved in severe accidents due to sudden illness behind the wheel, a reality exacerbated by age-related declines in reaction times and vision. "Prevention is always necessary and should not be underestimated," she stated.

These measures are part of broader amendments to Kazakhstan's Law "On Road Traffic" taking effect on August 25. Drivers over 65 and individuals with disabilities will be required to undergo mandatory medical examinations every two years. The results will be automatically transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and failure to provide confirmation of a successful examination and absence of medical contraindications may lead to the termination of driving privileges.

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This will occur during regular patrols by police crews. A driver might be stopped for another violation, such as failing to wear a seatbelt, for example. However, there will be no systematic effort to identify and pull over all seniors. It is important to understand that this is not a restrictive or punitive measure, but one with positive intent. Above all, it is about caring for the drivers themselves.

Additionally, a new rule will revoke driving rights for eight years if a drunk driving criminal case is dismissed without a conviction. Those who have not yet obtained a license will be barred from applying during this period. After eight years, restoring driving rights will necessitate passing a medical examination and retaking the theoretical traffic rules exam.

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There are very grim statistics showing that elderly drivers can become involved in traffic accidents simply because they felt unwell. Such incidents are a reality. With age, reaction times slow down and vision declines. Therefore, prevention is always necessary and should not be underestimated.