Quebec's coroner's office is urging the SAAQ to increase the screening process for elderly drivers, particularly those with health issues, in light of a particularly violent, fatal head-on collision in 2015.
On September 17, 2015, a car being driven by 90-year-old Arthur Theriault was traveling on the wrong side of Highway 30 when it crashed into a car driven by 32-year-old Michael Lortie. Both were killed. The coroner ruled the deaths were avoidable.
Danis Prud'homme of FADOQ, the largest seniors association in quebce, says the coroner's suggestion to increase medical screening is a case of ageism.
"If you look at doctors working for the SAAQ theyre saying having a drivers license has nothing to do with age, mostly, it has to do with health,"
The SAAQ says an individual must undergo a medical exam and a vision test once they reach the age of 75 in order to keep their licence. They must do so again at age 80 and then every two years after that.
According to reports, Thériault’s last medical examination was in 2013 and he last saw an optometrist in 2014.
—Elysia-Marie Campbell and James Foster contributed to this report.