Police ticket man in scooter chair after accident

WTNH Television ^ | 04/25/2012

[Puppage]

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH/AP) — Waterbury police gave a 75-year-old man a ticket after he was struck by a car and knocked out of his scooter chair.

Thomas Galvin, 75, was driving his Power Wheel Scooter into oncoming traffic on Thomaston Avenue near West Main Street when he was struck Tuesday afternoon by a car leaving a gas station. Galvin was knocked onto the pavement and was helped by witnesses before being brought to a hospital with minor injuries.

Officers cited Galvin for improper operation of a motor-driven cycle on a roadway and violation of a permit provision. Authorities say Galvin didn't have the required medical prescription to operate that kind of mechanized chair.

The driver of the car that struck Galvin was not cited.

[b4its2late]

No doubt the driver will be sued by the dude in the motorized chair.

[San Jacinto]

Don’t worry he’ll just get Medicare to give him a new scooter— and have them pay the ticket as well.

[jboot]

Those blasted scooter chairs are a huge hazard on the road. They were never intended to be used as cars, but since they are basically free if you have Medicare many from the dependent classes use them that way. I've had multiple scary encounters where I or someone else came within inches of running over one. The worst one was on US Route 50 in Chantilly VA of a rainy night. One of Eric Holder's most girthful people was riding her chair down the edge of the right lane. She came up from behind while we were stopped at a light waiting to make a right turn. I was in the passenger seat and I saw a strange movement below the level of the mirror on my side. By the grace of God alone I was able to stop the driver from executing his turn right over top of her. She kept right on going out into the intersection, her mumu flapping arond her knees.

Where I work now there is an idiot that walks her dog from her power chair right in the road. I fear for the dog.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

” Galvin didn’t have the required medical prescription to operate that kind of mechanized chair.”

What? Since when do you need a prescription to operate a “mechanized chair”? I can see the need for a prescription, if you expect to get one given to you from medical insurance — but, do you actually need one if you use your own money?

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Got a friend who always uses the scooter at the grocery store even though he is as healthy as an ox.

I asked him why and he replied, “Because there is always one or two not being used. People in the aisle-ways move out of your way and they are all too PC-scared to ask me if I am dis-abled or not.”

Good laugh.

[Buckeye McFrog]

“At least you’ll be going to Hell at no more than two miles per hour.”

-Jerry Seinfeld

[Ol' Sox]

I hadn’t been to Disneyworld for quite some time until last week. I was amazed at how many of those scooters were in use. When I commented to a cast member, she rolled her eyes and said that many people used them like wheelchairs to get special treatment such as being moved to the front of ride lines. When there, they ‘miraculously’ recover enough to hop on board the rides.

[and so?]

I hadn’t been to Disneyworld for quite some time until last week. I was amazed at how many of those scooters were in use. When I commented to a cast member, she rolled her eyes and said that many people used them like wheelchairs to get special treatment such as being moved to the front of ride lines. When there, they ‘miraculously’ recover enough to hop on board the rides.

I went to Disneyland a couple of years ago after not going for 40 years.

I walk with a cane most days and they did the same for me ... I was embarrassed after I figured out why I got to move ahead of folks waiting longer than me and refused to move up...it ain't right.

Most days the cane is fine but on days when I'm limited to my chair I don't go anywhere.

Funny thing though, Medicare had no problem authorizing the chair but VA will not, even though my disability(ies) are directly related (and documented) to my years in the military and the injuries I got in the Southeast Asia Wargames...the judges say we came in second...damn suck a$$ politicians wouldn't honor their commitment.

[Ol' Sox]

My family and I thank you for your service, sir. I’d give you my spot in line anytime.