Dec. 22, 1955: Review board controls accident-prone drivers
A provincial board tasked with eliminating accidentprone drivers and those with “physical inabilities which make them road hazards” had called 68 motorists to appear before it.
Of the 68 motorists, six were permanently prohibited from driving motor vehicles. Two of the six volunteered to be suspended after board officials convinced them it would be better for their own sakes as well as for the safety of others. In cases where the four-man board felt a motorist’s driving licence should be suspended, a recommendation was made to the minister of highways and suspension was automatic.
Eleven licences were suspended for an indefinite period. “Many of these cases involve drinking habits,” the Journal story said. “If they (the habits) are overcome, the motorist can apply to the board for a review and possible reinstatement.”
Another 18 motorists were granted licences on a probationary basis. They could continue to drive so long as they maintained a clear record. Eleven more who were aware of their individual problems received licences after correcting them. A typical example was defective vision. The remaining 24 drivers were cleared by the board and given their licences. The board’s ruling could be appealed to the minister of highways, but only one person had filed an appeal since April and he was given his licence on probation. The board dealt with drivers applying for reinstatement of driving privileges following suspension due to a conviction for a driving infraction.
It also reviewed the capabilities of anyone with more than one conviction over a short period of time if indications were the person was to blame.
People with physical disabilities, which made it questionable if they should be driving, also appeared before the board, the story said. The work of the board was to tie in with a proposed new system for keeping a record of every driver in the province. that was being set up by the highways department.
Highways minister Gordon Taylor had said the province was considering issuing a motorist a card on which convictions and accidents would be recorded. The department could keep track of accident-prone drivers and discover why they are involved in accidents. He mentioned possible “clinics” to help motorists. czdeb@edmontonjournal. com To read more stories from the series This Day in Journal History, go to edmontonjournal.com/ history