My son Cody, just 26 years old, was a victim of preventable tragedy. An elderly driver, who had been involved in the same accident in the same location just three months prior, was allowed to remain on the road and ended up killing my child. The police had not taken measures to reevaluate this driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. If stricter regulations were in place, Cody might still be alive today.

Across the United States, elderly drivers statistically pose an increased risk on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers above the age of 70 have higher crash rates per mile driven than middle-aged drivers, and their accidents are more likely to result in fatalities. In Florida, the situation is particularly urgent as the state is home to a significant elderly population. Currently, Florida only requires drivers aged 80 and over to undergo vision tests every six years at license renewal. However, this is insufficient for ensuring road safety given that cognitive and motor skills decline with age.

We propose a policy change that mandates more frequent and comprehensive evaluations for drivers aged 65 and older. These evaluations should include not only vision tests but also cognitive and physical assessments that can determine a driver's overall capability to safely secure our roads. Regular checks can significantly decrease accident rates and protect our families from preventable injuries and deaths.

The time has come for Florida to take decisive action to protect its residents. Implementing stricter evaluation measures for elderly drivers can help prevent more heartbreaking stories like Cody's. By signing this petition, you are urging the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to review and reform the current laws regarding elderly drivers.

Sign this petition to demand safer roads and protect our loved ones from similar tragedies.