Health, social, and economic impacts of non-driving related license suspensions: A qualitative study
Abstract Objective To determine whether and how non-driving related (NDR) license suspensions impacts affected individuals’ economic and financial stability, social and community relationships, and health and well-being. Methods We conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 14 adults in [BLINDED] between September 2020 and January 2021. Participants had an NDR suspension and were primarily recruited through community partners. A directed content analysis approach informed the development of the coding scheme. Coded transcripts were reviewed to identify themes. Results We identified five themes: loss of autonomy disrupting everyday 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. Conclusion NDR suspensions appear to create or exacerbate unemployment and financial instability, isolation, and health issues (primarily mental health and substance abuse problems). Policy implications: This study provides insight into how NDR 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.