HR0402 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0402 LRB104 13969 MST 26924 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The National Safety Council (NSC) in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State (IL SOS) holds that safe driving is a lifelong journey of learning and skill development and age alone should not determine driving ability; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Census data shows that while our nation's demographics are evolving, NSC research demonstrates that age alone is not a determining factor in driving ability; and

WHEREAS, The overall crash rate per 100,000 licensed drivers steadily decreases as driver age increases; and

WHEREAS, NSC supports comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to traffic safety that focus on actual driving capabilities rather than demographic factors; and

WHEREAS, A 2023 Illinois Department of Transportation study showed that Illinois drivers 75 and older had lower crash rates when compared to other age groups; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, out of 55,000 Illinois drivers between 79 and 86 who were required to take a behind-the-wheel driver test, only 97, or 0.17%, failed the test and were denied driver's licenses; and

WHEREAS, NSC encourages families to have open, honest conversations about safe driving with their loved ones, recognizing that understanding modern vehicle safety features can help maintain independence while enhancing safety; and

WHEREAS, NSC, in partnership with the IL SOS, continues to advocate for safe driving initiatives that protect all road users; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the citizens and licensed drivers of Illinois to emphasize safe driving by practicing safe driving behaviors and prioritizing driver improvement and education for themselves and for their friends and family to eliminate preventable deaths on our nation's roadways.