Impacts of Non-Driving Related License Suspensions on Quality of Life: a Qualitative Study

Emma B. Sartin (), Dominique G. Ruggieri, Adrian Diogo, Lauren O’Malley, Lakhaya London and Allison E. Curry
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Emma B. Sartin: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Dominique G. Ruggieri: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Adrian Diogo: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Lauren O’Malley: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Lakhaya London: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Allison E. Curry: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2022, vol. 17, issue 4, No 14, 2227 pages

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine if and how non-driving related license suspensions impact affected individuals’ quality of life. We specifically examined if and if so, how these suspensions were related to individuals’ economic and financial stability, social and community relationships, and health and well-being. We conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 14 adults in New Jersey between September 2020 and January 2021. Participants had a non-driving related license suspension and were primarily recruited through community partners. A directed content analysis approach informed the development of the coding scheme. We identified 5 themes: loss of autonomy disrupting every day quality of life; compromised health; employment challenges; compromised social and community relationships; and the experience of having a license suspension. Participants reported a cascade of negative consequences across several aspects of their lives; as one aspect was affected, others worsened. Thus, non-driving related license suspensions appear to create or exacerbate unemployment and financial instability, isolation, and health issues (primarily mental health and substance abuse problems). This study provides insight into how non-driving related license suspension policies harm individuals and are potential examples of systemic racism/classism; our conclusion supports ongoing state- and federal-level efforts to end this practice.

Keywords: Transportation; Equity; Mobility; Driving; Policy; Health; Economic stability; Social wellness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s11482-021-10027-7

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