New York Abandons Eye Exams For Driver's Licenses

[n2doc]

Starting Wednesday, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles has a new policy that should scare every driver on the road: New drivers don't need to prove they can see.

Yes, you read that right. Anyone can self-certify that he has adequate vision before taking to the roads. No more looking at that pesky eye chart to make sure you can see at least 20 feet away. Nope. In New York -- and as Reuters reports, in six other states -- you just have to pinky-swear you can see before hopping behind the wheel.

New York used to require that people show up every 8 years at the DMV or at their doctor's office to take an eye exam. State Senator Patty Ritchie (R-Ogdensburg), said she's opposed to the new regulations, because many people aren't aware of their deteriorating vision until they're forced to take a vision test. The move is simply a ploy by the cash-strapped state to boost driver license renewals online, she said.

"New York has made great progress in making our roads safer, including a determined effort to crack down on dangerous and distracted driving," said Senator Ritchie, referring to new laws against cell phone use, texting and aggressive driving.

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http://autos.aol.com/article/new-york-abandons-eye-exams-for-drivers-licenses/

[cal04]

1. State DMV puts brakes on new rule to waive eye test

http://www.stargazette.com/article/20110930/NEWS01/109300400/State-DMV-puts-brakes-new-rule-waive-eye-test?odyssey=nav|head

Pending recommendations of an advisory panel, the state Department of Motor Vehicles is suspending a new policy that allowed motorists renewing driver's licenses to "self-certify" their vision is good enough to drive, the agency announced Friday.

Commissioner Barbara Fiala issued a statement about the reversal Friday afternoon, following an outcry from county clerks, law enforcement and medical professionals who said waiving the eye test given in DMV offices threatens public safety.

Fiala said the advisory group will consist of health, safety and transportation experts to "determine the best and most efficient way to ensure that New York's drivers possess the vision acuity necessary for safe driving."

The panel will look at the latest procedures for testing vision, what other states do and how New York can ensure safety for the state's 11 million drivers while providing the convenience of online transactions, the commissioner said.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. Where does it say that?

Sorry, couldn't help myself.