My life changed forever when my daughter, Rylee Baird, was struck by a minivan while crossing the street in Gray, GA. The driver, a 79-year-old man, had neither drugs nor alcohol in his system. The only plausible factor contributing to this tragic accident seemed to be old age. It's terrifying to think that aging, a natural process, could impair driving abilities to such an extent that it endangers the lives of our loved ones and everyone on the road.

This incident is not isolated. As an individual's age advances, critical cognitive functions required for safe driving—such as reaction time, judgment, and decision-making—tend to decline. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the rate of fatal crashes per mile traveled increases sharply for drivers 70 and older. With the growing senior population in Georgia, it is crucial to implement measures that protect all road users.

I'm calling upon our local and state lawmakers to require mandatory cognitive testing for drivers once they reach a certain age. A standardized cognitive test could be designed to evaluate essential cognitive abilities necessary for safe operation of a vehicle. This isn't about taking away independence; it's about ensuring safety for the driver and everyone else traveling the roads.

Other states have implemented similar measures, and it is time for Georgia to adopt this essential safety precaution too. With advancements in medical science, these cognitive tests can be carried out quickly and efficiently. It ensures that drivers maintain the cognitive functions necessary for making quick decisions on the road.

Please sign this petition to urge our lawmakers to introduce and pass legislation that mandates cognitive testing for senior drivers in Georgia. Our roads must be safe and our government has the power and responsibility to enforce standards that protect every citizen. Together, we can prevent future tragedies like the one my family has endured.