Last week’s 10 pedestrian deaths and dozens of injuries at a Santa Monica, Calif. farmers market should prompt more frequent examinations of elderly drivers.
An 87-year-old man apparently stomped his car’s accelerator—not its brake—and plowed through three blocks of fruit and vegetable stands, shoppers and vendors at about 50 miles per hour.
Unfortunately, laws in California and other states--citing alleged age discrimination—prohibit the targeting of senior citizens for special driving tests.
All drivers aged 75 and older (or younger if medically warranted) should undergo annual simulator testing of reactions to common traffic situations.
Something is needed beyond the occasional renewal tests for vision and knowledge of rules of the road. (20 JULY 2003)
