Arizona should require road test for elderly drivers’ license renewals

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Opinion

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TRANSPORTATION

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OPINION — The Sun Cities and other age 55-plus communities are wonderful places to live and enjoy our retirement years that we worked so hard for. In the last several months, there have been several fatal automobile accidents in our communities. 

As we age, certain things happen to our bodies: Our sight diminishes and our response time diminishes, both of which can be a cause of these accidents.

Once you move to Arizona and get your Arizona driver’s license, for the most part you only have to take an eye test thereafter, and you are good to go for as long as you live.  One of my older friends had her driver’s license renewed on her 100th birthday!  

I recently contacted the Arizona Department of Transportation and asked why they didn't require driving tests for those of us over 75. I was advised that they only enforce the rules that the Arizona Legislature passes into law and suggested that I contact my local representatives.  

Perhaps if enough of us write to our state representatives we may be able to get a driving test in place for each renewal of our driver’s licenses after the age of 75. Although we all feel we are able to drive, does that mean we should be driving?

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