Many seniors steamed at road-test renewal bill
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Hawai'i seniors think a proposal to toughen driver's licensing rules for older drivers has it all wrong. It's the younger drivers who need more regulation, they say.
Here's a sampling of what other Advertiser readers had to say: Jeanette Barney, 77. "I'm against it. Is that guy from Hilo (Chang) going to take me golfing every week? I go golfing twice a week and if I had to sit home instead I'd just get old and die." Ray Joblonski, 72, 'Aiea: "It's ludicrous. Why is it that insurance companies raise rates double for teenage drivers, yet reward people who get older for good driving? It's because the teen-agers cause the accidents." Shirley Whittington, 76, Hawai'i Kai: "It's a good idea; 75 is a good age to start testing. Some people just shouldn't be driving, but they don't want to give up their last piece of independence, even when it's time." David Luke, 73, Kawaihae: "Chang is trying to get government to do what family members should. The government has enough to do as it is. If he wants to pass a law, make family members liable for damages caused by older family members." Clytie Hewlett, 83, Foster Village: "This business of questioning a 75-year-old driver is ridiculous. Don't they have anything better to do than worry about senior citizens?" WANT TO WEIGH IN? The bill has been referred to the House transportation committee and House judiciary committee. Contact: House Judiciary Chair Sylvia Luke, 586-8530; e-mail, repluke@capitol.hawaii.gov House Transportation Chair Joe Souki, 586-9444; e-mail, repsouki@capitol.hawaii.gov
"Ridiculous," "discriminatory" and "nonsense" were the words heard repeatedly as more than 100 people sounded off in phone calls and e-mails to The Advertiser this weekend about Rep. Jerry Chang's bill that would require drivers 75 or older to pass a road test before having their licenses renewed.
What they said
"It seems to me it's the young drivers between 20 and 30 who are causing all the problems. So why are they picking on older drivers?" said 73-year-old Kailua resident Dolly Phillips, echoing the comments of many people.
"Do you ever see someone in their 70s or 80s speeding or piling up against a pillar?" asked 76-year-old Bob Koenig of Pacific Palisades. "I've seen more kids out there than you can shake a stick at on their way to the cemetery, but politicians want you to believe that it's the seniors who aren't safe."
The new bill was prompted by the concern that many families share over whether older loved ones should be behind the wheel.
Chang, a 57-year-old representative from Hilo, said the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that senior citizens are second only to teenagers in their rate of fatal accidents, but those who contacted The Advertiser were skeptical.
"I don't believe the numbers. It's the younger people causing the fatalities. My reflexes and sight are good, so I don't believe I should have to take another driving test to renew my license," said 77-year-old Walter Wade.
Others said that because insurance companies charge higher rates for younger drivers, it makes sense that they're the ones causing the problem. Other bills at the Legislature this year call for teenagers to be subject to a graduated licensing system, making it harder for them to gain full driving privileges.
Many said they weren't against an extra road test, as long as it was enforced fairly. Why not require the test for those who have been involved in an accident, been cited for speeding, or had some other problem, they suggested. Singling someone out just because of their age isn't fair, or even legal, they said.
"Older drivers aren't the big threat. It's the young people, the alcoholics and criminals who cause problems. If you're going to test people, those are the ones to start with," said 72-year-old Enid Kuhler of St. Louis Heights. "Anything else is arbitrary."
"Why don't police and the City Council do something about people getting traffic tickets? I really want to see those people penalized so the rest of us would be safer," added Richard Graham, a 60-year-old Pearl City resident.
However, a few people — about one in 20 — thought Chang's proposal had some merit.
"They most definitely are a hazard to our roads. They claim they don't get into wrecks; at 18 mph that's a given, but how many have they caused because of their inability to react or forcing other drivers to pass them in heavy traffic?" said Ron Tosh of Kalihi.
Tosh is 50. "When I get that old, I hope they'll pull my license, too," he said.
Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
