Massachusetts: Prepare To Be Cut From The Will

"BOSTON — A key legislative committee is recommending a bill that would require drivers 75 and older to pass cognitive and physical tests." 

Via Boston Herald

Some highlights of the proposed bill:

"— Require drivers 75 or older to pass an examination to test their cognitive and physical abilities to operate a car each time they renew their license;

-Allow doctors and police officers to report to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they believe a driver is unable to safely operate a car;

-Give the Registrar of Motor Vehicles the right to suspend a license until a hearing can be conducted to determine if the driver is capable of operating a car;

-Require the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to administer a new driving exam for any operator who accumulates three or more surchargeable incidents in the previous year;

-Allow drivers to appeal a decision to suspend a license."

Apparently, the proposed bill follows a string of fatal accidents involving elderly drivers in Massachusetts. Kudos to the committee for putting public safety first and foremost. Unfortunately, I'm sure accusations of elderly discrimination will be sure to follow. The article states that opponents (old people) feel that the tests should be required for everyone, not just the elderly. 

I disagree. 

Data exhibit A: My Nana. 

There is a green, 1998 Buick Century that is usually parked on the street, about two feet from the curb, in front of my parents house. This, is my Nana's chariot. Two thousand pounds of American steel, complete with handicapped license plates and a "Support our troops" magnet. 

This car has divided our family. 

Being a passenger with Nana behind the wheel is more nerve wracking than being a test pilot for the Uzbekistan Air Force. My sister and I believe she has no place behind the wheel of a car,and while my parents agree, they feel there is nothing they can do about it. If this bill was passed into law in California, we wouldn't have to wait for her to drive through a farmers market to end her tenure as a licensed driver. 

If this proposed bill makes it into law, every state should follow suit.