A driver's license is a hard-won privilege for most people and one that's key to freedom and self-sufficiency. It's tough to come and go where and when we please without the ability to drive — particularly in places where public transportation options are sporadic or nonexistent.

But driving is a set of skills that can dissipate with lack of practice — and, yes, with age. Recent pedestrian fatalities, especially two in which senior citizens were both the victims and behind the wheel, bring the issue of driver age to mind.

And it's a difficult issue. Hawai'i is one of 15 states that require older drivers to renew licenses more frequently. Only two states, Illinois and New Hampshire, require a road test for applicants over age 75.

Hawai'i contemplated adding a similar road-test requirement in 2004, but the bill never got a hearing. Among its problems — other than sheer unpopularity with the influential voting bloc of senior citizens — is that it could draw age-discrimination challenges.

A Rand Corp. study issued last summer indicates that drivers 65 and older are just 16 percent likelier than adult drivers to cause an accident. Although that difference is significant, it is far lower than the risk posed by younger drivers, who are 188 percent likelier than adult drivers to cause a crash.

Lawmakers should discuss ways of refining the vision tests and adding more frequent gauges of other skills for drivers of all ages.

But if our aging society wants to avoid a more Draconian crackdown, families must assume responsibility for their own loved ones.

The AARP offers a driver-safety course families could consider, but also suggests relatives be vigilant for signs that seniors may not be able to continue driving responsibly. For example, if they show difficulty being attentive to signals, show signs of slower response time or have health conditions that may affect their ability, the heightened dangers of holiday-season driving should press relatives into having a family discussion on their concern.

Self-policing ultimately is a better solution than government-imposed, blanket restrictions on experienced drivers based solely on age.