Reporting unfit drivers.

People who cannot safely drive a car because of physical or mental impairments are a hazard to other motorists, pedestrians and themselves. Simply "taking away the keys," however, is often a difficult and humiliating process that can rob impaired drivers of their dignity.

The Missouri General Assembly and Governor Mel Carnahan recently enacted legislation that makes it easier for family, police and doctors to confidentially report people whom they believe should no longer be driving.

Prompted largely by a fatal crash caused by a 91-year-old driver with senile dementia, Missouri House Bill 1536 offers new solutions for removing unfit drivers from the road.

The new law was "not designed to be a punitive bill. It was motivated by love and concern for loved ones," said the sponsor, Representative Scott Lakin.

Most jurisdictions impose road tests and fitness requirements that are designed to prevent unfit drivers from obtaining an initial license. Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia also conduct vision tests for driver license renewal, and 10 states require a written test. No states, however, impose subsequent road tests for all drivers, and only illinois, Indiana and New Hampshire conduct periodic road tests for older drivers.

Many unfit drivers escape detection because they develop impairments years after they obtain an initial license. Subsequent vision tests and written exams can miss physical or mental conditions that make a driver more susceptible to a crash. And road tests for all drivers could prove costly and difficult for undermanned state motor...