Age change in road tests is not enough

Let’s not be fooled by the Illinois Congress. Changing the age for road testing seniors is not a welcome reprieve. It is in fact an outrage. They refuse to admit the absurdity of this law. We live in a state where facts don’t matter. Here are the facts.

Illinois seniors are the safer drivers. All other age groups have more crashes than seniors. Age discrimination is unlawful. No other state ever road tests seniors, regardless of age. Who decided to change the age of testing to 87? Another fact is the older you are, the fewer the accidents.

Let’s be clear. Testing seniors has nothing to do with our safety on the road. We should be concerned with DUIs, speeding, and distracted driving. All of these main causes of accidents are done by drivers way younger than 87. Not one congressman has explained why they refuse to repeal this unjust law. We need truthful answers.

The only reason the age was changed was because seniors began extensive lobbying and our pressure was successful.

Congress and Giannoulias were overwhelmed by the volume of disgruntled seniors. If enough people contact Giannoulias, Chris Welch (speaker), or congressmen, it will be apparent we are not satisfied with their inability to repeal a law that is unconstitutional. Why are we letting them get away with this? They have to be held accountable. We brought insight into the question of ageism. Ageism cannot be used to target seniors, especially when they are the safer drivers. We must continue the pressure until we join the 49 states that don’t discriminate.

If Congress can’t get this no-brainer right, how can we trust them to represent us on any other issues? Our voices need to be heard loud and clear. We want a full repeal.

Barbara Bodnarchuk

Arlington Heights