The pain of losing a loved one is unimaginable, even more so when you know it could have and should have been prevented. My nephew and his mother were both tragically killed in a head-on collision with an elderly lady who was known to have early stages of dementia. Because there are essentially no laws in Alabama to regulate this disease she was allowed to continue driving regardless of her cognitive state. This woman ended up on the wrong side of the highway at night without lights when she collided with my family's car, causing immediate fatalities and leaving surviving members to grapple with lifelong trauma.

This heartbreaking incident could have been avoided if there were stricter regulations in place concerning individuals diagnosed with dementia and their ability to drive. It is crucial that we implement laws requiring the revocation of driver's licenses once someone is diagnosed with dementia, and that family members or doctors are obligated to report such diagnoses to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s - a common cause for dementia - and this number is projected to rise nearly 14 million by 2050. As cognitive abilities continue to decline during this illness, it becomes increasingly dangerous for these individuals not just for themselves but also others on the road.
Only 12% of states physicians are required to report individuals who are cognitively, or medically impaired to the DMV (California, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Pennsylvania). 

50% of the remaining states (not including states listed above), encourage or allow physician reporting, but do not make it mandatory. (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).

40% of states require a decreased time between license renewals once an individual has reached a specific age (a majority of which is age 65).

30% of states require the addition of a vision test in regard to reaching a certain age.

5% of states require an in person license renewal once an individual has reach a specific age.

In Alabama it is only a recommendation that Doctors report dementia cases to the DMV it is not a requirement. While anyone can report dementia cases it is only taken into consideration by the DMV when it is recommended by a licensed professional. 

There not only needs to be better laws surrounding re-testing at a certain age, but dementia is not limited to a specific age group and therefore it should be mandatory that Doctors report these cases.

We cannot afford further loss due to lackadaisical regulations around such critical issues. We must prioritize safety over convenience or discomfort about confronting difficult health issues like dementia. 

Please join us in urging lawmakers across our nation to enact legislation. 

•  Mandatory Re-Testing (Driving portion) at age 65 and every renewal after. 
• Mandatory reporting upon dementia diagnosis 
• Vision test every renewal after 70 
• After so many incidents a cognitive evaluation should be mandatory to determine further driving capabilities.
• Allow reporting from family and neighbors as well as licensed professionals. 

Help prevent future tragedies like ours from occurring again! Please sign and share our petition, we need your help to make a change!!

You can look up and reach out to your elected officials for our state here: https://alarise.salsalabs.org/contactelectedofficials/index.html

Or

You may also reach out to them by phone 

(House) 334-242-7600

(Senate) 334-242-7800

Even if you’re in another state I encourage you to reach out to your elected officials. This is not limited to our area, change needs to happen all over! 

#JasesLaw

#JusticeforJENandJASE

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