Passing legislation that requires seniors do undergo on-road testing in order to renew their licenses would not be easy to implement. In Ventura County, California, a lawyer representing a client in a wrongful death suit, caused by an elderly driver is attempting to impose a legislation that requires drivers over 65 to complete rigorous testing every 10 years and is being met with extreme opposition. While he has compiled a sound case and is approaching legislators, senior care organizations, like the AARP believes this would create a stigma that age naturally results in poor driving; an assumption that is not true for every case. If the region’s legislators do not support the lawyer’s suggestions, he plans on completing a public poll to try and sway them; hoping that the population overall will see the benefit it could bring to the safety of our roads.

Unless each state’s government begins to agree to some big changes, imposing limitations upon elderly driving lies with families looking to ensure the safety of their elder members. While it’s important to allow seniors to maintain their independence behind the wheel, families should watch out for signs that it’s time to encourage seniors to give up their keys.

Sources: http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/dec/16/behind-the-wheel-exams-sought-for-drivers-65-and/
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a714006952~db=all
http://www.wpxi.com/news/13317389/detail.html
http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm