SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5354

BYSenators Kreidler, von Reichbauer and Bender

Creating a driver qualifications review panel.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

AS OF FEBRUARY 10, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Some concerns have been expressed over adverse health changes that can occur in individuals after they have been licensed to drive.  Once licensed, a person can maintain a driver's license until death as long as that person appears to be physically able at the time of license renewal, and can pass the eye test.  The Department of Licensing is not always informed of a disabling illness of a driver.

A new driver may capably pass the original driver examination and then evidence an inability to drive safely.  The first four years for a newly licensed driver, regardless of age, are critical in terms of acquiring the proper attitudes and skills necessary to be a responsible driver.

SUMMARY:

A driver qualifications review panel is created and shall consist of a chairperson appointed by the Legislative Transportation Committee.  The chairperson shall appoint people to the panel who shall be representative of the following groups:  local law enforcement, the insurance industry, the trucking industry, senior citizen organizations, senior driver training instructor, the medical profession, the optometric profession, a traffic engineer, and a member of the medical advisory board to the Department of Licensing.  The House of Representatives and the Senate shall each appoint two members.  Officials from the Department of Licensing, the Washington State Patrol, the Utilities and Transportation Commission, and the Traffic Safety Commission shall serve as ex officio members of the panel.

The panel shall review and evaluate driver licensing requirements of the Department of Licensing, giving special attention to (1) medical and physical criteria, and (2) to the problems created by newly licensed drivers with unsafe driving records.  The panel is to terminate January 1, 1988.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     The House of Representatives and the Senate shall each appoint two members to the panel.