Snitch gets senior’s licence withdrawn

Marguerite Russell has had her driver’s licence suspended and doesn’t know why.

All she knows is contained in a letter from Service Nova Scotia. It says, in part: “Concerns have been brought to our attention as to whether you meet the necessary [medical] standards [for driving].”

The letter, delivered at her home in the rural community of Kempt Shore last Oct. 20, required her to complete a vision, road and written test by Dec. 20 or lose her licence.

Russell was unable to take her test because her car broke down that morning. On Dec. 8, Service Nova Scotia sent a letter by courier suspending her licence, noting the processes for appeal. “I’ve been driving since I was a teenager and I’ve never had an accident,” says Russell, a spry 88-year-old who lived in Texas during her working life and thought nothing of driving home to Nova Scotia when she was homesick. She returned to her girlhood home eight years ago. “They want to know about my health … [I want to know] who knows of this but me,” Russell said. “Nobody really knows anything about my health, except for my doctor.” She says her doctor was not the individual who notified the Department. In fact, her doctor thinks she’s in good health for driving. “There was a bit I was coughing and having trouble breathing … I had pneumonia all that time,” Russell noted. “Now, I am very healthy again … I do not take medications, except for a thyroid condition, and I seldom see a doctor. Plus, I have perfect vision.” “I think they are trying to get seniors off the road,” Russell said. “It is the most unfair thing.”

Since losing her licence, Russell, who lives alone, has relied on her niece and neighbours for transportation. “I can’t walk to Windsor and I can’t get everything I need,” she added. “I’m used to going into Windsor a couple of times a week for lunch ... they’ve taken my freedom when I’m not guilty of anything.”

Kempt Shore is about 30 km from Windsor, the closest community for shopping.

Communications Advisor Lori Errington of Service N.S. and Municipal Relations said normally, if a complaint that a person is unfit to drive for medical reasons is brought to light by someone other than a medical professional, the Registry gives this driver an opportunity to present medical information for further assessment of a situation.

Most suspensions involve a report from a medical professional, Errington said. “Still, if any accident or police report indicates that an accident was caused due to medical emergency, for example, a seizure, we may suspend a driver without consulting the medical community.”

To prevent false concerns it is required that any complaints against drivers be in writing, Errington noted. “They must be signed, dated and we must be provided with contact information for the person making the complaint. If there are issues with the details, or credibility of the complaint, we will contact the driver to discuss the matter.” “It should be noted that all correspondence are reviewed by staff,” Errington further noted. “A driver’s record is also taken into consideration; along with any complaints received. The Medical Fitness Coordinator and The Registrar, or Deputy Registrar of Motor Vehicles, must approve medical suspensions to review information received.” “We do disclose if a complaint comes from the police. However, many who report to us do so with expectations of privacy,” Errington added. “We owe it to them; to keep their name confidential.” “However, any client has the right to make a freedom of information application and seek additional details about the specifics of the complaint — without identifying the complainant,” Errington further added.

President Stu Fraser, of Fundy Driving Schools, offers driving courses for seniors all across the province. Fraser says he hears stories like Russell’s often and empathizes with Russell’s situation. “It’s your mobility; it’s your independence,” Fraser said. “I can imagine how devastating it would be [for a senior to lose their driver’s licence].”

The government needs to find a different and a more humane way to deal with these situations, says Fraser. “Other than a letter stating ‘you are suspended, turn in your licence’. That’s enough to scare a senior to pieces.”

The province is doing a wonderful job now by offering a free program for seniors over 65 to renew their driving skills but the information on it is not getting out to seniors, Fraser also noted. “Anyone can take it but if you are under 65 you have to pay for it.”

People interested in sponsoring a 55 Alive Mature Driving course for their area or wanting more information about this course can call Fraser at 597-3386.