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By Allen Christensen
Utah State Senator, District 19

Rebecca Walsh wrote a good column today.

I still believe impaired drivers behind the wheel of a car present a dangerous problem, and age can be an impairment. Our aging population is increasing rapidly and can become dangerous if they refuse to recognize when it is time to hang up their car keys.

By far the majority of our seniors regulate themselves well. They can recognize the writing on the wall when the time comes. A few, unfortunately, refuse to give up what they see as their independence. So what can we do? Strictly age-based measures would impair so many drivers unnecessarily. Waiting for that Highway Patrolman to report them may prove to be too late.

For the past few years I have pushed a possible solution that would smooth the way for more reporting of dangerous drivers. Those closest to an elderly dangerous driver often see the problem clearly but may hesitate to notify the authorities due to being perceived as the 'bad guy'. The bill I now plan to bring back would allow confidential reporting. In some cases the drivers license division could take the blame for re-testing a reported impaired driver. I don't love the idea of people ratting out friends and family. But I like it better than reading the obituaries and wishing we had done something more.

A small tweak of existing law might make the difference between life and death for a family member, friend, the impaired driver, or even you.

1 Comments:

 The Senate Site said...

BTW - there is a big difference between confidential and anonymous. The DMV won't accept an anonymous report because of the possibility of harassment. With a little adjustment to the law, however, they could keep your name confidential.

6/19/2007 11:41 PM  

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