link--this

Here in Messychusetts, where we have the worst drivers in the world (and the high insurance rates to prove it), they will give ANYONE a license. I am convinced of this fact.

I got my first license in New Jersey. I later moved to Maryland, where it lapsed. Maryland refused to give me a license because I have a slight problem with my right foot, and have to use both feet to drive. Never mind that I had a 100% clean driving record in NJ. The Maryland people said that could only get a license if I had a *left-foot accelerator* installed in my car. I argued that since I'd already been driving the way I do for ten years, and was used to using my left foot to brake, I could cause more harm than good with the left foot accelerator...I would speed up when I intended to brake. I also suggested that they issue me an *automatic transmission only* restriction, but they refused. I know that I can never operate a manual, and I will never try to do so.

I would have passed the damned test if the asshole examiner wasn't so picky about this!

But...flash forward to Massachusetts. I showed up at the RMV with my expired license, and a lift in my shoe to hide my slight limp...just in case someone got the whole left foot accelerator idea again. I fully expected to have to take both a written and road test, given that I had an expired NJ license.

But no...all I had to do was turn in my old license, pay the fee, take a joke of an eye exam, and pose for a mugshot. That was it.

This was a relief to me, because I knew there was no way I could get used to that left-foot thing. But I realize that this type of policy causes more problems than it solves. In fact, we had a governor several years back who wanted to make all drivers licenses PERMANENT...without even the eye test every five years. It got shot down...good, because that would be scary!

The lax system in my state worked in my favor...but to this day I have a 100% clean record. And I still drive with both feet! I say test people every so often, but don't be picky if they have a disabiity that they have learned to compensate for. As long as a person shows that they can operate a motor vehicle safely, it shouldn't matter.

I just don't want my license taken away for no good reason. And, as much as I agree with the more frequent testing, it might be safe drivers like me who end up having to rely on others to drive them around.

And I just can't live like that.

I know this was a long comment, but it's something I feel VERY strongly about!

¤ ¤ credit: Christine M. | 01.25.03 at 08:14 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Oh...and after all of the above...my pet peeve on roads like I-95...where they have speed limits...max 65, min 45...is when we get stuck behind some old person creeping along at 30 MPH...and I can't pass them because everyone else is passing US! Have to wait for a gap!

Then, when I do get the chance to pass them, Mike knows the drill...*Is it a geezer?*

Nine times out of ten, he tells me that it is. Mike doesn't like to drive, so I do it most of the time. This is why losing my license over some stupid foot crap will make our lives hell.

If people are afraid to drive the proper speed on a freeway, they have no business being there. Sometimes, people who drive too slowly are just as dangerous as those who drive too fast!

¤ ¤ credit: Christine M. | 01.25.03 at 08:22 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

a 5'2" 80+ year-old woman, the five phonebooks it takes for her to see over the steering wheel

ah, good. i see you've met my grandmother, then.

¤ ¤ credit: tanya | 01.25.03 at 08:36 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Hey, there Mr. Graham, if you wanna pick on the fans of Philly sports teams, then go right ahead, but leave the rest of the city out of it. Thankyouverymuch.

And hey, 5'2"? Now now, Robyn. I drive my expedition very well, and I'm only an inch taller. Then again, I do have a normal colored hair and leg strength. :oP

¤ ¤ credit: statia | 01.25.03 at 09:44 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Uh oh, Statia... I'm 5'3" also, but my hair isn't a normal color. I'd get rejected for sure!

¤ ¤ credit: Susan | 01.26.03 at 03:12 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Hey, I admitted that it was uncalled for...

And I have it worse here than Robyn does, I live on the "older" side of the bridge.

¤ ¤ credit: a different Bill | 01.26.03 at 04:54 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

One reason they're not tested may be because they still vote -- any legislator in a state like Florida who put such a large segment of the population at risk of losing their mobility, and their independence, might suddenly find himself unpopular indeed.

¤ ¤ credit: Jon | 01.26.03 at 11:19 AM | link--this ¤ ¤