W. Va. Bill would Create Special Program for Low Vision Drivers

Tonya Conley is one of just 15 people in West Virginia with a driver’s license despite having vision below minimum legal standards. But if a bill recommended by an interim legislative committee passes this year, she could be joined by many others.

The committee recommended passage of a bill that would allow people who have severely impaired vision to get restricted driver’s licenses after completing a range of testing and training.

Similar programs have been adopted in 39 other states, and West Virginia was actually the first in the country to try the program as a pilot in the 1980s. That’s how Charleston resident Conley got her license, which she’s had for 20 years.

“I haven’t had any problems with driving in all that time,” she said.

But the program ended in 1998, and attempts to revive it in the Legislature have fallen short in the face of concerns from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

The DMV is inclined to support the latest version of the bill, Commissioner Joseph Cicchirillo said Sunday, as long as it can be assured of stringent standards for the testing and training program.

“I certainly don’t want an impaired driver to be driving unrestricted,” he said.

Under the draft bill, people who use special telescopic lenses on their glasses would be allowed to participate in a program that would test their vision, put in classroom time and take behind-the-wheel instruction.

Drivers would initially be granted a one-year instruction permit, allowing them to drive with an instructor during daylight hours.

Then, after another vision exam and more behind-the-wheel instruction, the driver could apply for a two-year license allowing them to drive during daylight hours. After three years, if the driver hasn’t caused any accidents, they can apply for a license allowing night driving, after taking night-driving training.

The bill would also require annual eye exams. The commissioner of motor vehicles would also be able to revoke any of these licenses immediately if the drivers cause a fatal accident, get tickets or violate the terms of the permit.

“In general, I’ve been impressed with the vigor and intensity of training these people will get,” said Huntington ophthalmologist Dr. Joe LoCascio.

At LoCascio’s recommendation, the committee amended the bill to include annual eye exams. LoCascio also said the legislation should include a sunset provision so it can be automatically reconsidered at a future date.

Much of the training would be done by employees of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, who started the pilot program in the 1980s and have trained eight other states with similar programs.

Chuck Huss, one of those trainers, said the program would benefit not only those who already qualify for rehabilitative services, but older people who have been driving for years but now face serious loss of vision.

“We’ve got a lot of low-vision folks out there, and they’re spread all over West Virginia,” he said.

At Huss’ request, the committee amended the draft bill to exempt the 15 drivers who passed the pilot program years ago.

“I was very lucky to have gone through the program,” Conley said.

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