Public transportation not enough for seniors who don’t drive drivers off the road.
By JAMIE WETHERBE Special to the Daily Press
DOWNTOWN — Last summer’s Farmers’ Market tragedy has prompted officials to think about how to better regulate senior citizens’ driving privileges.
Sen. Sheila Kuehl hosted a roundtable discussion in Santa Monica on Friday in an effort to bring the issue of unsafe drivers to the forefront. Legislative changes, personal responsibility and frequent testing by the Department of Motor Vehicles were some of the issues discussed.
“We’re not going to come to a conclusion today,” Kuehl said, adding that she wants to explore ways to identify drivers of any age with physical, mental or visual impairments and get them off the road.
“We’re not going to come to a conclusion today.” — – SHEILA KUEHL Senator
As California’s senior population is expected to double in the next 15 years, officials said it’s even more important than ever to find ways to take the keys away from unsafe drivers.
For the panelists and about 50 audience members, the issue is a personal one — some worried their independence and licenses would be revoked unfairly, and others worried about their senior parents on the road.
Kuehl questioned her own driving ability as she ages. “I’m going to be 63 on Monday,” she said.
Mark Mitock, whose teenage daughter was killed five years ago in a crosswalk by a 96-year-old driver, was one of the 15 panelists.
“For (the discussion) to be real, a victim needed to be here,” he said.
Mitock has campaigned to get unsafe “What happened in the Farmers’ Market was really a slaughter,” he said. “(Russell) Weller’s car stopped only by the flesh underneath it.”
Weller on July 16, 2003, sped through a crowded downtown Farmers’ Market. His car killed 10 people and injured 63. He is currently being prosecuted for 10 counts of felony vehicular manslaughter. His defense is that it was a tragic accident — he hit the accelerator instead of the brake.
California currently has no driving age limit. Drivers older than 70 years old can no longer renew their licenses via mail but must head to the DMV where they might be subject to a written test or eye exam.
“At a certain age people need a closer look,” said Beverly Hills Councilwoman Linda Briskman, who said she’s concerned that her 92-year-old father recently renewed his license without doing anything more than waiting in line.
California is undergoing changes to roadway design to make driving safer, including more visible signs and stop lights. Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom suggested existing driving classes should be better publicized.
A tiered driver assessment system is being evaluated by the California DMV. Although the exact structure is still unknown, evaluations could include sensitivity, eye and computer tests or a road test. Those who fail could have their licenses revoked or restricted.
But in auto-centric Los Angles, getting around without a car might not be easy.
Most seniors live in rural or suburban areas with the least amount of public transit, and cities don’t have the funds to accommodate seniors if they start losing their licenses, officials said.
DMV officials worry that setting an arbitrary age to test people for license renewals could be overwhelming and a waste of resources.
And “old” doesn’t necessarily mean “bad” when it comes to driving.
Collision rates prior to 80 years old are better than those in the 15-to 29-year-old bracket, according to a report prepared by Older Californian Traffic Safety Task Force, Policy and Legislation Workgroup.
But after age 80, crash rates begin to increase and those over 65 have more fatal collisions, the report said.
About 5 to 7 percent of those over 65 suffer from dementia — which deteriorates the brain, “the single most important organ needed to drive,” said Dr. Jaime Fitten, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California at Los Angeles.
For those over 85, those affected by dementia increases to one in four, Fitten said.
Many older drivers will self-regulate — giving up night or freeway driving to compensate for any impairments they might have, officials said. But people with severe dementia can’t recognize their own limitations, Fitten said.
Police and medical panelists also requested that family, friends and the community be able to report unsafe drivers to the DMV for reevaluation.
Other states have laws in place that are designed to take the keys away from unsafe drivers. These range from driving restrictions to shortening time between renewals.
Illinois requires everyone over 75 years old to take a road test, the report said. And Missouri law makes it easier for family, police and doctors to confidentially report people they believe are unsafe drivers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 9, 2004. Read the original PDF.