PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Prepare for Mandatory License Testing of Seniors

In recent months we have seen accidents involving elderly drivers being reported with increasing frequency by the news media, both locally, and nationally. America’s population is aging and as we age, we face the challenge of operating our vehicles as our physical and/or mental health deteriorates.

In many states mandatory license testing of seniors already is law. In Massachusetts, the recent frequency and severity of accidents involving older drivers has not gone without notice by the state legislature. As a result, a new safe driving bill is currently under consideration at the State House. Although I am not sure what the specifics of the law will ultimately contain, as currently proposed, people 75 or older would be required to pass an exam when applying for renewal of their driver’s license. In addition, doctors and law enforcement officers would be empowered to sideline unsafe drivers of all ages in the event an operator had three or more at-fault accidents or moving violations in the previous year.

Voluntarily giving up one’s license to drive may be one of the most difficult decisions to face as we get older. Even if we recognize our driving ability has deteriorated, relinquishing the independence of operating a vehicle means depending on friends, relatives and/or public transportation to help us do the things we need or want to do on a daily basis. It appears to be only a matter of time before the mandatory testing requirement forces many of our clients to make this difficult decision.

We anticipate the legislature will act on this pending bill by January and if it is enacted, it could become law 90 days from the time it is signed by the governor. We expect to have more details by winter and will keep you posted in our next newsletter.

• Read all INSURANCE CURRENTS, Fall 2009 Articles