Drivers in Illinois wouldn't have to take another behind-the-wheel test until they're in their late 80's under a new proposal.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is proposing a bill that would increase the behind-the-wheel driving test age from 79 to 87.
"We're the only state in America that requires driving tests based solely on age," said Guannoulias on 'Total Information A.M.' "So not only it is unfair, but we want to focus on making sure these unsafe drivers are not on our roads."
Giannoulias says the latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation reveal the crash rate for adults who are 75 and older is just over 24 per 1000 drivers.
"This is lower than every single age range of drivers between 16-74 years-old," said Giannoulias. "This is the safest category of drivers in the state."
The law would also eliminate an age-based mandatory driving test for older drivers, which Giannoulias calls 'patently unfair'.
"It's not based on data and every decision we make in the Secretary of State's office is driven by data and facts," said Giannoulias. "Age alone does not necessarily determine if someone should or should not have a drivers license."
Giannoulas is also pushing to implement new procedures to allow immediate relatives to report unsafe drivers.
"Right now, if you know someone who is a dangerous driver or a really terrible driver has a medical decision, there's absolutely nothing a family member can do," said Giannoulas. "Basically, only law enforcement can do that and that's after a crash occurs and even then, it's not certain they'll get the information to the Secretary of State office."
With this proposal, if the report review finds that the claims are credible, the driver would be required to submit a medical reevaluation report and/or undergo retesting to retain their license.
"It is a component the state of Illinois would've never had before," said Giannoulias.
Giannoulias points out there is bi-partisan support for the law, which would bring it in line with numerous neighboring states, while still being effective in keeping roadways safe.
"We got a number of Republican Senators and House members who understand we got to keep our roads and highways safe," said Giannoulias. "But we also have to have a just system based on data."