Driving test revisions are still ageism
Illinois representatives have a new bill — HB 1226 — that they want to pass this spring saying that it “should satisfy many seniors in their early 80s.” Nothing can be further from the truth. The bill will not eliminate senior road tests, it will only amend the existing law. It will require anyone 79 or older to renew their license in person, while all others can renew online. How demeaning.
What’s the reason? It will require anyone 87 or older to continue taking road tests. What’s the reason? Haven’t they proven their ability to drive with over 70 years’ experience? This is called ageism, discrimination against a certain age group, and this is why we are fighting back.
We are dealing with facts versus prejudice. Every study, every statistic has shown that seniors drive more safely than most. If Illinois is the only state targeting seniors in such a biased way, and the Secretary of State Department has declared seniors are among the safer drivers, then we must put all the blame on our representatives. They are not working for us or understanding the unfounded prejudice against us.
Our representatives need to hear from all of us, not just a few. Everyone has to write, email or call and say “No” to HB 1226. We want a complete repeal of the existing law that road tests seniors with no added conditions, restrictions or age revisions.
Isn’t it time for Illinois seniors to be treated equally like the rest of our nation? We need everyone’s help to put pressure on our legislators to stop the discrimination once and for all. Here are the six sponsors of HB 1226. They need to hear from us: Jay Hoffman, Dan Didech, Marcus Evans, Jeff Keicher, Joyce Mason, Larry Walsh.
“With liberty and justice for all”
Barbara Bodnarchuk
Arlington Heights