Chapter 495 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

 

AN ACT

 

HB 2446

 

Relating to driver licensing.

 

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

 

      SECTION 1. (1) The Department of Transportation shall conduct a study of the effects of aging on driving ability. The purpose of the study is to develop a comprehensive approach to licensing drivers.

      (2) Issues to be examined by the department include, but need not be limited to:

      (a) Identification of drivers 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.

      (3) The department shall appoint an advisory committee to participate in the study. The committee shall include representatives of organizations involved with issues facing older drivers, such as medical professionals, senior citizen advocacy groups and providers of services to senior citizens. The committee shall study the available information and make recommendations to the department. Recommendations from the committee to the department are advisory only.

      (4) The department may adopt rules implementing recommendations that result from the study provided that the rules are consistent with current law.

      (5) The department shall report the results of the study to the transportation committees of the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly. The report shall include any findings of the study, any recommendations of the advisory committee and any actions taken and rules adopted by the department in accordance with the recommendations. In addition, the report shall include any recommendations for statutory change that result from the study.

 

Approved by the Governor July 6, 1999

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 6, 1999

 

Effective date October 23, 1999

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