House Bill 4238, An Act Relative to Safe Driving, is on the docket for our formal session this week.  I expect several amendments for the bill but you can see the original version by clicking this link:  http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/house/186/ht04pdf/ht04238.pdf

The bill requires that an applicant for renewal of a driver’s license age seventy-five or older must pass an examination, “to assess cognitive and physical ability and any other condition that might prevent such applicant from operating a motor vehicle safely.”

Any discussion of driving has to start with the concept that the ability to drive on Mass. roads is a privilege and not a right.  As with many pieces of legislation there is a balance to strike:  in this case between ensuring that those who wish to exercise the privilege of driving can do so safely and in recognizing that folks aged 75 and older have greater driving experience that statistically lessens chances of accidents — and often may see their car as a last form of independence.  The bill as currently drafted will try and strike the balance.

This bill as filed does not yet address the issue of cell phone while driving.  I will file or co-sponsor an amendment to ban texting while driving and expect other amendments to regulate the use of cell phones while driving (I expect debate about hands free technologies, for one.)

What are your thoughts?