Monday, August 03, 2009

AARP says requiring road tests for seniors only is discriminatory

The CBS Evening News  reported that the number of Americans 65 and older expected to nearly double over the next 20 years and there are growing concerns about aging drivers behind the wheel. New Hampshire is one of only two states with mandatory road tests for seniors.
CBS correspondent Randall Pinkston explained, “In New Hampshire...every car and truck driver 75 or older must retake the road test to renew their driver's license”. Pinkston also pointed out that, while 15 percent of the nation's drivers are over 65, only 11 percent of them are involved in fatal crashes. But, starting at 65, their risk of accidents for every mile driven spikes up. By age 80, elderly drivers are as likely as 17-year-olds to have fatal crashes. Currently, Massachusetts is considering legislation to require older drivers to take road tests before renewing their licenses. Pinkston added, But, the American Association of Retired Persons, the AARP, says road tests only for older drivers are discriminatory, that health, not age is the decisive factor.

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A similar bill is proposed in North carolina

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