Only explanation for testing law is ageism

Rather than doing the right thing and repealing senior road tests, our Illinois leaders chose to just change the age and then test every single year. We already know that Illinois is the only state that road tests seniors, and here is the worst part. They have never given us any reasons why they won’t repeal it.

Seniors have all the facts on their side, so it leaves only one answer. Ageism. Ageism is illegal and discriminating.

All studies and data show most crashes are done by younger drivers. DUIs, speeding, reckless and distracted driving, fleeing and eluding and texting or using the phone are all committed by age groups younger than seniors. Alexi Giannoulias even announced that seniors are the safest drivers.

Here is the final straw. It was recently reported that 37 states (that never test seniors) saw a decline in vehicle fatalities last year. Illinois was not in that group. So, I assume testing seniors does nothing to ensure our safety. Lawmakers should be held accountable. I hope enough seniors are outraged and continue the fight to abolish this unjust law.

Recently I was sitting at a light and a guy in his 20s crashed into me from behind. He was reckless and distracted. Yet am I supposed to be tested while he goes free? He was clearly at fault.

Isn’t there any smart and honest lawyer in Illinois who will challenge lawmakers as to the constitutionality of this law? It was done successfully in New Hampshire in 2011. We would be forever grateful to have someone stand up for us and put an end to the unfair targeting of seniors. We deserve to have the same rights as every other state. Legislators cannot validate or justify their actions on this issue.

Barbara Bodnarchuk

Arlington Heights