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Keller @ Large: Pols Duck Older-Driver Issue

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Jun 3, 2009 11:21 pm US/Eastern

Keller @ Large: Pols Duck Older-Driver Issue

Reporting
Jon Keller
BOSTON (WBZ) ― After two accidents in two days, many people are wondering why the state doesn't retest older drivers.

But It appears some political heavyweights just don't want to. Lawmakers are really hesitant to call for new rules – for a bunch of compelling reasons.

Start with the fact that senior citizens are a powerful voting bloc. Politicians know they will alienate them at their own risk.

They also know taking away the right to drive can have severe consequences for seniors without access to or the ability to pay for alternative transportation. Revoke a license based strictly on age and you might trigger age discrimination lawsuits; re-testing can be complicated and costly.

And it's not just Massachusetts that's struggling with this issue. Only about half of the 50 states have restrictions on elderly drivers.

Just how important is the senior vote? In the last statewide election, about 20 percent of the voters were 65 or order.

And they make up one of the most reliable voting groups.

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