Keeping Medically Unfit Drivers Off the Road

By Jeb Butler |

July 22, 2014

Driving on public roads is a privilege, not a right. Butler Kahn attorney Jeb Butler recently appeared on NBC-affiliate 11Alive and on News Radio 106.7 to discuss a proposed law that would limit the ability of medically unfit drivers to obtain licenses. The proposed law would require, for drivers over 75 years old, a note from the driver’s doctor certifying that the person was medically fit to drive and the passage of a driver’s test. In addition, the proposed law creates a mechanism by which family members of an older driver can express concerns about medical fitness in writing to the Department of Driver’s Services.

The proposed law originated with Chris Simon, who represented the family of 5-year-old Karla Campos. Karla had just climbed out of her school bus and was running toward the arms of her family when an older driver who was medically unfit to drive pulled up behind the school bus. Instead of pressing the brake, the older driver accidentally pressed the gas pedal—so instead of stopping, the medically unfit driver accelerated onto the sidewalk and ran over Karla. Karla did not survive. As a result of Karla’s death and the dangers created by medically unfit drivers, Chris got to work on the proposed law.

Because Chris had consulted with Jeb about the proposed law, reporters at 11Alive and News Radio 106.7 asked Jeb for an interview. See Jeb’s discussion of the proposed law with Brenda Wood of 11Alive by clicking the link below.

Click Here: Jeb Butler Interview With Brenda Wood

Jeb Butler

Jeb Butler’s career as a Georgia trial lawyer has led to a $150 million verdict in a product liability case against Chrysler for a dangerous vehicle design that caused the death of a child, a $45 million settlement for a young man who permanently lost the ability to walk and talk, and numerous other verdicts and settlements, many of which are confidential at the defendant’s insistence. Jeb has worked on several cases that led to systemic changes and improvements in public safety. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Georgia SuperLawyer and ranks among Georgia’s legal elite. Jeb graduated in the top 10% of his class at UGA Law, argued on the National Moot Court team, and published in the Law Review. He is the founding partner of Butler Kahn law firm. Connect with me on LinkedIn