It is also a necessity for millions of Canadians, allowing them independence, mobility and the chance to do everything from getting to work, to going shopping, to taking a vacation.

For an elderly person, the ability to drive is especially important.

Yet, the tragic death of 10 people last week when an 86-year-old driver sped through a farmers market in Santa Monica, Calif., is another sad example of why the right to drive cannot overtake the safety of others on the streets and sidewalks, or in passenger seats.

The accident recalls similar ones in Ontario, including a case in 200

In 1996, Ontario eliminated rules requiring drivers aged 80 and over to submit to mandatory road tests. Now, such drivers must pass a vision and written test, as well as attend an education session, every two years.

0 in which an 84-year-old Toronto woman was charged with careless driving and failing to stop after she struck and dragged Beth Kidnie, 43, to her death. A month later, an 82-year-old driver killed a 13-year-old girl and injured her mother while reversing her car at the Burlington Mall.

Most are good, responsible drivers. In fact, the fatality rate among motorists 70 and older is lower than for those under the age of 20.

Doctors in small towns and rural areas say that while it may be fine for physicians in large urban centres, such as To

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