EDITORIAL: The debilitating effects of advanced age can't be wished away
May 12—In case people haven't noticed, it's an election year — the perfect time for legislators running for re-election to genuflect in the direction of specific groups of voters.
That best explains why so many legislators suddenly have started to concern themselves with driver's license renewal requirements for drivers age 79 and up.
It further explains why legislation is pending that would ease those rules or, to take a more cynical view, allow members of the House and Senate to draw media attention for support of a measure that might not pass.
One never knows, given how our elected representatives play games with legislation.
At any rate, the more senior citizens there are on the road, the more concern people have about their ability to drive in a safe manner.
The records show they excel in that respect. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said that statistics collected by his office show that "our senior drivers are among the safest drivers in the state."
That may well be. But experts said that it's largely because seniors "adjust" to their limitations by not driving at night or driving at lower speeds.
That speaks well of them. It also shows that these individuals know better than anyone how debilitating advanced years can be.
Under current law, drivers who are 79 or 80 must take a driver's test to win license renewal. Those between ages 81 and 86 are required to take a driver's test every two years.
At 87 or older, they must take a driver's test every year.
Is that unfair? State Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Republican, contends it is because "I don't think having a birthday is a good enough reason" to require seniors to take a driving test.
That quote is superficial nonsense, emblematic of the disingenuous way elected officials speak to voters.
Motorists are not required to take a driving test because they celebrated a birthday. They're required to take the test because they celebrated so many birthdays that public safety requires special caution regarding license renewal.
Despite claims to the contrary — that senior citizens are being discriminated against — this is not a civil rights issue. This is a public safety issue.
How many times must it be noted that driving is a privilege, not a right?
Anyone with any sense knows that getting old is not for sissies. People's physical skills fade, and their mental alertness weakens. Some fare better than others, but no one is exempt from the laws of nature.
It is perfectly reasonable for older drivers to be required to take a driver's test to retain their right to drive.
Illinois has special rules for the youngest of motorists who are often immature, impulsive and reckless. There's nothing wrong with having special rules that require those 79 and up to show they still have what it takes.
