Bill Would Bring in Stricter Standards for Older Drivers in Virginia

A spate of serious accidents in Virginia has led to moves to tighten up the rules relating to older drivers in the Commonwealth.

A recent report in the Virginian-Pilot stated drivers 75 and older are facing more strict standards which would entail them renewing their driving licenses every five years instead of eight, under legislation that passed through the Virginia Senate this month.

The bill was submitted by Del. Tim Hugo, R-Fairfax County. It would also lower from 80 the age at which older drivers face compulsory vision tests and are eligible for only the shorter license renewal periods.

The legislation would establish other stringent measures such as setting up a mature-driver crash prevention course; a facility a court could order an older driver to attend after a traffic infraction.

Although I am aware of the danger of singling out older drivers, I am concerned about a spate of serious accidents that have involved older drivers in recent months. I also recorded a video about the problem.

Last October, Keairra Diggs lost her life when she was struck by a car driven by an 87-year-old man on the US 58 bridge over the Nansemond River in Suffolk. The elderly driver also died in this double tragedy. The driver was on the wrong side of the road as he crossed the bridge.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an older driver, call our Suffolk car accident attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077 for a free consultation.