Duke of Edinburgh car crash...how old is too old?

His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

Syl wrote:His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

The eyesight tests usually catch older people.  This suggests that someone is helping the dear old man get past his tests.

There is no way a 97-year old, dottish man should be driving.

Indeed, friends don't let friends drive Range Rovers, anyway.

Original Quill wrote:

Syl wrote:His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

The eyesight tests usually catch older people.  This suggests that someone is helping the dear old man get past his tests.

There is no way a 97-year old man should be driving.  Indeed, friends don't let friends drive Range Rovers, anyway.

I agree...but glasses can help their eyes, doesn't mean the ears or mental capacities are still fit for purpose.

I think after a certain age, maybe 75, people should have to have a full medical before their driving licences are renewed.
I'm sure some are still fit and able, but better be safe than sorry.

Research says that accidents are more likely with 25-year old's, than 75-year old's. So, there is that.

Original Quill wrote:Research says that accidents are more likely with 25-year old's, than 75-year old's.  So, there is that.

Yep, but then there are a lot more 25 year olds driving about than 90 plus I would think.
Testosterone filled young men and the very aged are usually the cause of most near misses ime, though younger women seem to be bloody speed freaks round here too.

Syl wrote:His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

Ageist!!!!

Maybe there needs to be a test of motor skills and reaction times?

I took my mom's keys at about 84, even though the state of Texas said she was fine. But nobody from the state of Texas rode with her like I did.

I'v been driving for 64 years, Motor Bikes , Lorries, HGV, never had a "my fault" accident. At aged 74 took an advanced driving test and passed with no faults. [Big Head} !

nicko wrote:I'v been driving for 64 years, Motor Bikes , Lorries,  HGV,  never had a "my fault" accident.  At aged 74 took an advanced driving test and passed with no faults. [Big Head}  !  

Congrats Nicko, but so many people do lose the ability to react quickly as they age...not everyone obviously, but regular medicals after a certain age would sort out the able from the not able.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

Ageist!!!!

Maybe there needs to be a test of motor skills and reaction times?

I took my mom's keys at about 84, even though the state of Texas said she was fine. But nobody from the state of Texas rode with her like I did.    

Lol...that would be a good indicator of whether you are still fit to drive or not, see how many people are willing to be a passenger when you are at the wheel.

I think it may have been an accident pure and simple, but even if he's as blind as a bat I can't see his licence being taken away anytime soon,
He can still drive around Balmoral and all the other estates as they are private but maybe its time he gave up on public roads. Imagine the headlines if the other people had been badly hurt or died.

Vintage wrote:I think it may have been an accident pure and simple, but even if he's as blind as a bat I can't see his licence being taken away anytime soon,
He can still drive around Balmoral and all the other estates as they are private but maybe its time he gave up on public roads. Imagine the headlines if the other people had been badly hurt or died.

I'm sure it was a simple accident, but the state of the cars, especially his, looks like it could have been fatal, especially when a baby is on board.
Reports say both drivers were breathalysed, both were clear.

Yes, I cant see anyone (other than the queen maybe) taking his licence away, a law would stop him inflicting himself on public roads though, maybe it's time one came in.

His age aside, I do think it's cool that he actually drives him self around, on public roads. Do many Royals do that? Once our politicians that start getting Secret Service protection, their driving days on public roads are pretty much over.

Its not like he'd be totally denied getting behind the wheel, be cut off or have his freedom curtailed like many ordinary people are when they can't drive anymore. We have a couple of people around here who are really too old to drive for their own good, they drive very slowly, not a bad thing in the village but others get impatient and overtake and not always at the best of times. Their parking is dreadful back or front end poking out into the road, they park on the road outside their houses. After saying that we also have very competent aged drivers in the village as well. It must be bad when you can't drive anymore after years of freedom of choice of when and where you go. Maybe it would be a good idea to retest everyone regardless of age ever few years.


Yes I think quite a few drive themselves around on public roads with a protection officer or an escort car.

Maddog wrote:

Syl wrote:His recent crash which could have easily caused injury even death to innocent people, (a baby is believed to have been in the other car involved in the accident) has sparked yet another debate of how old is too old? Should people of a certain age (he is 97) be banned from driving?

"While there is no legal limit on driving ages in the UK, motorists have to renew their licence at least 90 days before reaching the age of 70, and then every three years after that.
A licence can only be renewed if the minimum eyesight requirement is met and there is no other reason to prevent a person from driving."



https://news.sky.com/story/obama-praised-dukes-smooth-driving-but-is-he-too-old-to-drive-at-97-11610278

Ageist!!!!

Maybe there needs to be a test of motor skills and reaction times?

I took my mom's keys at about 84, even though the state of Texas said she was fine. But nobody from the state of Texas rode with her like I did.    

lol, I know you never intended it to come out like that, but duuuuude, that sounds so wrong.... 

Sorry mate, dont mean any offense.

Thor wrote:

Maddog wrote:

Ageist!!!!

Maybe there needs to be a test of motor skills and reaction times?

I took my mom's keys at about 84, even though the state of Texas said she was fine. But nobody from the state of Texas rode with her like I did.    

lol, I know you never intended it to come out like that, but duuuuude, that sounds so wrong.... 

Sorry mate, dont mean any offense.

You're grounded. Go to your room.

Maddog wrote:

Thor wrote:


lol, I know you never intended it to come out like that, but duuuuude, that sounds so wrong.... 

Sorry mate, dont mean any offense.

You're grounded. Go to your room.

lol, okay   

Maddog wrote:His age aside, I do think it's cool that he actually drives him self around, on public roads. Do many Royals do that? Once our politicians that start getting Secret Service protection, their driving days on public roads are pretty much over.  

Yes, the queen often drives herself when she is off duty....and she is 92 herself.

Nobody seems to question whether or not he should be prosecuted for dangerous driving. He pulled out onto a main road, and the people in the other car could have been badly hurt. I'm not sure it's anything to do with his age.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/18/the-guardian-view-on-prince-philips-crash-road-safety-matters-to-all-ages

Raggamuffin wrote:Nobody seems to question whether or not he should be prosecuted for dangerous driving. He pulled out onto a main road, and the people in the other car could have been badly hurt. I'm not sure it's anything to do with his age.

Perhaps because we haven't heard the details of the accident. Are they out yet? Does it show culpability on his part? Was he cited?

Original Quill wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:Nobody seems to question whether or not he should be prosecuted for dangerous driving. He pulled out onto a main road, and the people in the other car could have been badly hurt. I'm not sure it's anything to do with his age.

Perhaps because we haven't heard the details of the accident.  Are they out yet?  Does it show culpability on his part?  Was he cited?

Some people have mentioned his age being to blame though, and that's just speculation. There are reports that he pulled out of a side road. There doesn't seem to be much concern for the women involved.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

Perhaps because we haven't heard the details of the accident.  Are they out yet?  Does it show culpability on his part?  Was he cited?

Some people have mentioned his age being to blame though, and that's just speculation. There are reports that he pulled out of a side road. There doesn't seem to be much concern for the women involved.

He has been in touch with the occupants of the other car, apparently.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

Perhaps because we haven't heard the details of the accident.  Are they out yet?  Does it show culpability on his part?  Was he cited?

Some people have mentioned his age being to blame though, and that's just speculation. There are reports that he pulled out of a side road. There doesn't seem to be much concern for the women involved.

I read he was blinded by the low sun, which at this time of year is very possible.
In the press the other driver, a female, and her baby, are reported to have suffered minor injuries, treated in hospital and released.

Maybe in this case age isn't a factor, then again, maybe it is.
It does bring up the question though, should there be an age limit where people should no longer be allowed to drive.

Just watching on TV. A British Car Insurance CEO has said, I quote, "The main cause of car crashes in the UK are caused by people in the age group 18- 30".
9 times more than the older driver !

PS, there are 4.5 million drivers on the road aged 70 or over !

Syl wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Some people have mentioned his age being to blame though, and that's just speculation. There are reports that he pulled out of a side road. There doesn't seem to be much concern for the women involved.

I read he was blinded by the low sun, which at this time of year is very possible.
In the press the other driver, a female, and her baby, are reported to have suffered minor injuries, treated in hospital and released.

Maybe in this case age isn't a factor, then again, maybe it is.
It does bring up the question though, should there be an age limit where people should no longer be allowed to drive.

He may well have been blinded by the sun, but you don't pull out unless you can see where you're going. If his age isn't a factor, there's no need to bring it up.

nicko wrote:PS, there are 4.5 million drivers on the road aged 70 or over !

I read this morning DVLA figures from 2017 show that 100,281 people over the age of 90 hold valid driving licences.
Scary thought.

Raggamuffin wrote:

Syl wrote:

I read he was blinded by the low sun, which at this time of year is very possible.
In the press the other driver, a female, and her baby, are reported to have suffered minor injuries, treated in hospital and released.

Maybe in this case age isn't a factor, then again, maybe it is.
It does bring up the question though, should there be an age limit where people should no longer be allowed to drive.

He may well have been blinded by the sun, but you don't pull out unless you can see where you're going. If his age isn't a factor, there's no need to bring it up.

No where has it been reported either here or in the general news that his age isn't a factor in the accident.
Therefore it's perfectly reasonable to bring it up.

Syl wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

He may well have been blinded by the sun, but you don't pull out unless you can see where you're going. If his age isn't a factor, there's no need to bring it up.

No where has it been reported either here or in the general news that his age isn't a factor in the accident.
Therefore it's perfectly reasonable to bring it up.

But what is there to suggest it? If nothing, it's a wild goose chase.

Syl wrote:

Raggamuffin wrote:

Some people have mentioned his age being to blame though, and that's just speculation. There are reports that he pulled out of a side road. There doesn't seem to be much concern for the women involved.

I read he was blinded by the low sun, which at this time of year is very possible.
In the press the other driver, a female, and her baby, are reported to have suffered minor injuries, treated in hospital and released.

Maybe in this case age isn't a factor, then again, maybe it is.
It does bring up the question though, should there be an age limit where people should no longer be allowed to drive.

I live on a winding country lane on which a low afternoon sun, particularly at this time of the year, can be lethal. I know the Sandringham royal estate and that particular stretch of the main road very well indeed. Speed is usually the problem, but I know from experience that a low setting sun suddenly appearing through the trees and on some bends in the road can be positively terrifying. It is almost impossible, even with the sun visor down and in dark glasses, to see a bloody thing with the sun straight in front and full screen.

My fear is that this is now going to trigger off a witch hunt against elderly drivers, of whom I am one. Although I fully accept that my licence could reasonably be revoked on grounds of impaired sight and certain physical conditions, both age related and medical, it would immediately cut me off from friends, family, shops, hospitals, GP surgeries, etc., because my house is in a rural area with absolutely no public transport facilities within reasonable reach, the last once-a-day minibus service to the nearest town having been ended by the local council some years ago.

Fred Moletrousers wrote:

Syl wrote:

I read he was blinded by the low sun, which at this time of year is very possible.
In the press the other driver, a female, and her baby, are reported to have suffered minor injuries, treated in hospital and released.

Maybe in this case age isn't a factor, then again, maybe it is.
It does bring up the question though, should there be an age limit where people should no longer be allowed to drive.

I live on a winding country lane on which a low afternoon sun, particularly at this time of the year, can be lethal. I know the Sandringham royal estate and that particular stretch of the main road very well indeed. Speed is usually the problem, but I know from experience that a low setting sun suddenly appearing through the trees and on some bends in the road can be positively terrifying. It is almost impossible, even with the sun visor down and in dark glasses, to see a bloody thing with the sun straight in front and full screen.

My fear is that this is now going to trigger off a witch hunt against elderly drivers, of whom I am one. Although I fully accept that my licence could reasonably be revoked on grounds of impaired sight and certain physical conditions, both age related and medical, it would immediately cut me off from friends, family, shops, hospitals, GP surgeries, etc., because my house is in a rural area with absolutely no public transport facilities within reasonable reach, the last once-a-day minibus service to the nearest town having been ended by the local council some years ago.

You are dead right about the low winter sun Fred, it can be blinding, and it seems someone overheard the Duke telling the police this is what had happened to him. Other reports said he careered out of the lane directly into the path of the  approaching car, either way, and judging by how both vehicles ended up , everyone involved was lucky to escape without serious injury.

I do think people over a certain age should undergo a  medical before the licence is renewed, and at regular intervals afterwards....it's not only the eyes that fade with time. No reasonable person  would want to be on the road if they knew they were physically or mentally unable to cope with driving, the possibility of hitting or killing someone would be too much of a burden.

I know taking away someones car is like taking their independence away, and local councils should provide transport to enable none drivers to get about.

Wouldn't it take some force - speed on impact, to roll something like the dukes vehicle, its pretty heavy, being reinforced or whatever.

Vintage wrote:Wouldn't it take some force - speed on impact, to roll something like the dukes vehicle, its pretty heavy, being reinforced or whatever.

That sort of accident cant be down to a bit of a bump.
Apparently he has had quite a few crashes caused by his speeding in the past.
It's reported that a yesterday a new vehicle has been delivered and he is back out on the roads.

He is in the privileged position of always having someone on hand to take him wherever he wants to go, it's arrogant of him imo to be driving again.

I think its time he hung up his keys, on public roads anyway, its not like he'd be stuck for transport as people like Fred would be, all he has to do is ring up for a car or shout on his protection officer.
It looks a bit uncaring to be driving again so soon, the queen was out driving herself as well and without a seat belt apparently but she is above the law, the rest of the family aren't.

Vintage wrote:I think its time he hung up his keys, on public roads anyway, its not like he'd be stuck for transport as people like Fred would be, all he has to do is ring up for a car or shout on his protection officer.
It looks a bit uncaring to be driving again so soon, the queen was out driving herself as well and without a seat belt apparently but she is above the law, the rest of the family aren't.

She may be above the law and he may think he is, but royal or not, they have the same kind of human frailties that the rest of us have.

It'll be interesting to see if he will face charges if it's found he was driving dangerously, Princess Anne has been done a couple of times in the past.

HoratioTarr wrote:

Can't stop giggling at that one.

Some truth to that /\.

It seems (according to todays papers) that people who drive those roads regularly know that if they see him coming they get out of the way quick. He often doesn't give way or stop when he should, and even yesterday he was pulled up by police again for not wearing his seatbelt.
Arrogant fool.

I don't known what would happen if something really serious happened but apparently the Queen is exempt from prosecution in criminal or civil actions, The rest of the family can be arrested but only for criminal acts, if they are with the queen or at any of the royal palaces they cannot be taken into custody though.

I used to like some of his jokes, but he's becoming a bit of a joke himself now .

Diana died because the driver was DRUNK ! no other reason !

nicko wrote:Diana died because the driver was DRUNK ! no other reason !

I very much doubt that Nicko.
Odd that the most famous woman in the world was killed in a rta and the car which clipped them causing the crash was then vanished into thin air even though top police and forensics from both the UK and France were on the case.