KEEPING DRIVERS SAFE

There are many things cherished by older Americans: good health, financial security, close relationships with family and friends -- and the right to drive. Even when poor health imposes physical limitations, most older Americans cling to their driver's licenses with a passion. It is understandable that giving up the right to drive is a tacit admission that you are no longer as much in control of your own life as you used to be.

But there comes a time when motorists must face up to the fact that they may no longer be safe behind the wheel. A group called Concerned Americans for Responsible Driving would like to see a system of testing for driving skills. Right now, Missourians are only required to pass eye exams every four years to get their licenses renewed. It is time to consider more stringent requirements.

For example, Missourians who pass their written exam and road test to receive a license when they are 16 years old will never have to read the driving manual or demonstrate their driving proficiency again, unless they allow their licenses to lapse. Other states require motorists who are renewing their licenses to pass an open-book test on the driving manual, which keeps motorists abreast of changes in laws, regulations and safe-driving suggestions. These tests are simple, and they force motorists to read the manual on a regular basis.

Still other states require older drivers to retake road tests to demonstrate they still have the reflexes and physical ability to drive. It goes without saying that you don't have to reach a certain age to become an unsafe driver. Statistically, motorists over age 65 are involved in fewer accidents than under-30 drivers.

So the answer may be periodic testing of driving skills for all age groups, rather than targeting older drivers. There is a question of cost, however, and state officials would need to examine the financial burden of retesting all of the state's drivers on a regular basis. It is possible a low-cost fee structure could cover the added expense. In the end, the cost of testing must be weighed against the unnecessary loss of life in automobile accidents.