In The News: Massachusetts Senate Restricts Elderly Driving

Yesterday the Massachusetts Senate voted to require drivers over 74 to undergo medical screenings in order to renew their drivers licenses.

As the new legislation states, older drivers would have to pay up to $30.00 to take a test with a medical doctor. Motorists between 75 and 80 have to pass the test once; drivers over the age of 80 would have to take and pass the test every three years.

There is clear cut evidence to suggest that generally speaking, as one ages, cognitive and physical skills decline. These decreases lessen driving ability causing a concern for public safety. Senator Brian Joyce, a long time supporter of the restrictions, reinforces this basic point: “it is irrefutable that as we age, some of our skills diminish.”

Not everyone is happy with the ruling though. The AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda believes that these screening should focus on driving ability, regardless of age. “The demonization of older drivers must stop,” explains Banda. Additionally, Senator Gale Candaras actually describes the ban as a public safety issue in and of itself because the bill will possibly transform “active seniors into shut-ins” that will never leave their home.

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Let us know what you think about the restrictions. We are not really sure if the new rules will actually lead to a decline in accidents or a general net increase in driving safety for that matter, but we are curious to see how this one turns out.

Senate Approves Elderly Driving Bill, Texting Ban – (The Boston Herald)