Call To Put More Restrictions On Older Md. Drivers

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An aging population behind the wheel of the car. A call for more restrictions on licensing and renewal for elderly Maryland drivers is heard in Annapolis.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports it's a campaign born of tragedy.

A bike ride home would be the last for Nathan Krasnopolar. The 20-year-old was hit by a car on University Parkway in 2011 -- a car driven by an 83-year-old who turned into his path, hit him and then ran over him.

Police say she got out of the car and sat down, leaving him pinned under the car, unable to get help.

"I believe there are many drivers on the road today that don't have what it takes to drive safely," said Susan Cohen, victim's mother.

In the years since an Eyewitness News report on how age can affect driving skills, Nathan's mother has worked to put more restrictions on elder drivers.

In Maryland, in-person license renewals are required only every 16 years.

Warren: "What has happened since we talked to you in 2014?"

Cohen: "Well, actually, nothing's happened. And I think that's the biggest problem that we have."

In 2014, an 81-year-old man hit and killed Josie Hollingsworth's 23-year-old daughter.

"Confused the pedals, revved the engine, hit the accelerator and hit my daughter," said Hollingsworth.

The national AAA has recommendations not currently in Maryland law, including that at age 75 or sooner, in-person renewal be required every five years -- but some opponents object to competency testing.

"Testing is unfair. If we had really, really refined tools that could really, really target in and find the bad apples, that would be one thing -- but we don't have those," said John Eberhard, transportation consultant.

Keep in mind, this briefing was informational only -- there is no bill related to changing the law for older drivers.

AAA also notes older adults are among the safest drivers, and driving is a function of medical fitness, not age.