By 2030, more than 60 million seniors are predicted to be driving on our country’s roads. Already having looked forward to the future of Illinois traffic, a 1990 law was passed by our state legislature on the subject of tighter state driver restrictions for those above the age of 75. In attempting to lower the amount of accidents involving the elderly, Illinois still ranks as one of the U.S. toughest states. Let’s look at its testing rules.
Between 69 and 80: Illinois drivers can renew their licenses for 4 years. Up to the age of 86, they can renew for 2 years. After 87 years of age, their license needs to be renewed annually. ***Drivers, who are 75 years of age or older are generally required to renew their license in person at a local Vehicle Services and Driver License Division office (Woodstock).
All senior drivers will be asked to undergo a basic vision test. Certain visual restrictions may be added to your license at this time. All drivers will be asked to take a written knowledge test every 8 years, unless they have no traffic convictions. If you have a driving conviction, you will need to pass a written and/or driving test. ***Drivers, over the age of 75, have to take a road test at the time of renewal. After 6 times of failing their road test, individuals will be asked to get a doctor’s approval for further testing.
Within 10 days of being diagnosed of any changing mental or physical condition that would impede the senior’s driving ability, drivers and/or their families, or medical or other official personnel are expected to notify the Secretary of State’s office. A reexamination, at this time, may involve a vision, written and/or a driving test(s). In some circumstances, these drivers may receive a restriction placed on their driver’s license as results of these tests (daytime driving only, special vision assists, limited geographical driving distance, etc).
But other states vary considerably in what they ask of their seniors to renew a license. Should older Illinois drivers be subjected to the above stricter restrictions when many other states vary considerably in their senior license requirements? The problem is that our state’s more frequent testing procedures do not necessarily (according to research) yield to safer roads. In addition to this fact, legislatures recently have become increasingly reluctant to judge individuals based on advancing age alone. Jurek Grabowski, research director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety commented, “Age should not be the issue. It should be your ability to handle the car and drive safely.”
Enter the AARP’s “Smart Driver Course” today training about half a million drivers online and in classrooms. The AARP group teaches strategies for reducing crashes and making adjustments to compensate for the effects aging has on driving.
November 1 (my correction from last publication) and November 2 at FountainView’s Cedar Room, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day, will be the site of Sun City’s next two-day AARP classes. ***Please check your Lifestyles’ magazine for more registration info. Finally, today auto safety groups are recommending that transportation agencies make letters on road signs larger, make pavement markings more visible, and add intersection left-turn lanes and signals to further aid older drivers in their quest for longevity of safe driving.
Upcoming Part 3: A Needed Conversation and Transportation Options
