RICHMOND -- The new year will bring tougher standards for some senior drivers.
Beginning January 1, 2015, drivers age 75 and older will have to renew their license in person every five years. The renewal process will include a vision test, which applies to anyone having to renew in person.
Until now, drivers age 80 and older were required to renew in person every eight years.
The Virginia General Assembly this year passed Darren's Law, named for 32-year-old Darren Morrell. The Oakton man was killed in 2011 by an elderly driver who turned into the path of his motorcycle. Police said the driver didn't know there'd been a crash and kept going until he was stopped by someone who saw the crash.
Virginia Beach State Senator Jeff McWaters and Delegate Timothy Hugo led the fight for Darren's Law following following a DMV-led study which included representatives from the medical profession, elder care industry, state agencies, state colleges and universities, law enforcement, AARP, AAA Mid-Atlantic, insurance industries, and concerned citizens.
"In many cases, seniors are some of the safest drivers out there. However, we know that aging naturally brings about health changes that can affect driving," said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "Darren's death is a tragic reminder of what can happen when unsafe drivers are out on the road. We think Darren's Law is a good compromise that better protects Virginians while allowing seniors who are still able to safely drive to do so."
Dr. Robert Palmer, Director of the EVMS Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology says the new age requirement is appropriate and the 5-year interval is reasonable, considering the prevalence of cognitive and vision impairment increasing after the age of 75.
Elderly drivers like Betsy Selig say it's an inconvenience, but necessary.
"I would not be happy about it, but I think I should. I dont have to like evrything I have to do," she said.
The Va. Department of Motor Vehicles says seniors won't have to renew until their current licenses are set to expire.
The Virginia DMV created the Virginia GrandDriver Website that has safety tips, a quiz and more information geared towards senior drivers and those who care for them.
