Massachusetts would require vision tests for elderly drivers.

In a front-page story, the Boston Globe reports that "key" Massachusetts state lawmakers, facing public concern over a raft of highly publicized accidents involving older drivers, yesterday proposed requiring vision tests for drivers over 75 years old seeking to renew their licenses, and granting legal immunity to doctors who report that their patients are not competent to drive.

The Globe notes that the new bill does not require healthcare professionals to report patients, and says they would be immune from lawsuits in cases in which they decline to report incompetent drivers. The measure would also ban text messaging while driving and forbid all drivers under age 18 from using cell phones while behind the wheel.

The legislation is scheduled for a vote tomorrow in the House.