BILL REQ. #:  H-4952.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/10/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to driver fitness certification; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of licensing, in cooperation with the age and driving advisory committee established in this section, shall conduct a study of the effects of aging on driving ability to develop a comprehensive approach to licensing drivers and certification of driver fitness. This study must include, but not be limited to:
     (a) Identification of driver cohorts who may be at risk for being involved in a motor vehicle accident because of age;
     (b) Availability and effectiveness of remedial measures such as skills training, adaptive equipment, physical therapy, and adjustment of driving practices;
     (c) Prevalence and effect of degenerative processes affecting vision, mobility, cognitive functions, and reaction time;
     (d) Effectiveness of public education initiatives;
     (e) Identification of best practices from other states addressing similar issues of an aging population; and
     (f) Recommendations for improving processes for certification of driver fitness and safety for older drivers.
     (2) The department shall appoint the age and driving advisory committee to participate in the study. The committee must include representatives of organizations involved with issues facing older drivers, including but not limited to:
     (a) Medical professionals;
     (b) Senior citizen advocacy groups;
     (c) Providers of services to senior citizens; and
     (d) Legislators to include, at a minimum, one legislator from each caucus of both the house of representatives and the senate.
     (3) The committee shall assist the department in reviewing existing studies and other available information to identify where gaps exist in understanding the issues and potential solutions associated with an aging driving population, and to develop recommendations for administrative and legislative action.
     (4) The department shall provide a status report to the legislature on December 1, 2004, and a final report on October 1, 2005. The report must include any findings of the study, any recommendations of the advisory committee, and any recommendations for statutory change that result from the study.
     (5) The department shall provide staff support to the committee as needed.