Should he still be driving at 97?

Not reading the tabloids , just this this thread ?

If this goes to court ? Points on licence, no take his licence off him

Take his licence off him , no send him to jail.

Send him to jail , no bring back the death penalty.

The DVLA checked with our GP about DH's diabetes and his cancer treatment. As we both wear glasses we both have regular eye tests any way. Our neighbour was told to stop driving by his doctor (he was driving awfully) Six months later he was killed while out on his bike.
I gather the police have spoken to the Duke about driving without a seat belt.

He is old, very old and should be nowhere near a car. End of.

I posted this on the other thread; it is rather confusing ha ving two, hope it is OK to post twice.

I don't know if this should be on this thread or the other one:
DH made the observation that people were criticising the Duke for not contacting the other family after the accident (apparently), although he was most concerned to make sure they were OK at the scene.

DH made the point that it is not normal for anyone involved in an accident (even if it is clearly their fault) to contact the other parties afterwards. It is down to the insurance companies to sort it out and the police if involved.

He is old, very old and should be nowhere near a car. End of.
No, not End of
There are younger drivers who are not fit to drive and there are drivers the same age who are perfectly capable of driving.

Yes, end of, end of his life, end of his power. Time to not be so selfish.

power?

Even HM does not have power

I do agree that it is time for a re-think.

It is something we all have to think about - that loss of independence

I don't agree he's too old to drive. Some people of 97 are perfectly ok to drive. Perhaps at some stage people should take a safe driving test. But driving without his seatbelt after this incident is pure arrogance and just what I would expect. And they would like to be remembered to the two ladies. Is that for real? It would be funny if it wasnt serious. Unbelievable, or maybe not. As Paddyann says one rule for us........

Off topic Marg but I have thought the same about mobility scooters. And they should pay insurance, as should cyclists.

DH had to surrender his licence eight years ago when a stroke robbed him of peripheral vision. TBH I didn't give much thought to his lack of independence at the time because I was under so much pressure dealing with my mother's care needs, a job and DH's recovery. Having to take on all the driving when we live in an isolated property didn't help.

His friends were very supportive at the time and still are so he manages to keep up his hobbies like fishing and bird watching.

The D of E will never have to worry about lack of independence. He's always had a security detail so getting a kick out of giving them the slip is all he'll have to give up.

I think the dukes independence is the least of the problem.
Silly old fart, he is.

On private land, yes. Public roads, no.

I think I can understand why he doesn’t want to stop driving, his life has been duty and security, when at Sandringham and Balmoral he has some freedom.

Does he drive around the streets of Windsor without his protection officer and not wearing a seatbelt I wonder?

* it is not normal for anyone involved in an accident (even if it is clearly their fault) to contact the other parties afterwards. It is down to the insurance companies to sort it out and the police if involved*

Nonnie, I meant there should be a change in the law so that a doctor would certify specific competences at, say, three year intervals, for applicants over , say, 70 years.

Oh great! More work for over-worked GPs!

Most people who are 70 are either reasonably fit or, if seeing a doctor for any reason whatsoever, will be advised whether or not they are competent to carry on driving. The same with an optician.

I see no reason why, at 70, people should have to see a doctor to have specific competences certified. Perhaps at 90+ yes.

The problem is, Jalima, not every driver can be trusted to report a disability.

I think that most people who develop something which could render them unfit to drive would be seeing a doctor or optician anyway.

I don't think that a 97 year old is necessarily unfit to drive. It all depends on the person. There are 100 year-olds who continue to drive. I do, however, feel that there should be some sort of testing procedure to ensure that people can see properly, have good reactions, etc.

I think, as someone else said, if any other 97 year old had had an accident of this nature, which I believe was his fault because he drove out from a side road, causing injuries, I think they may well be prosecuted for careless driving. And the woman whose wrist was broken was interviewed saying that she had not received a proper apology. If it were me, I would be annoyed too - especially as he is driving again, and without a seat belt.

Anniebach I am sure there are lots of people who are very reluctant to give up driving but who have become aware that they are less able to do so safely. I should imagine many of them won't have the same sort of transport choices as the D of E and will really miss out by not being able to drive. I think he's a rude and selfish man.

I do dislike people concluding their remarks with "end of", as if their views are more important than others and should therefore determine the end of the conversation.

Yes Jalima, but the doctor or optician has no duty to report to Swansea.

merlot you know he is less able to drive safely? Again money seems to be at the root of this with some .

As for mobility scooters!!!!

My sister was knocked into a wall
and pinned against it by an old lady on her mobility scooter.

No apologies from driver, who after much cursing eventually reversed and sped away on the pavement.

Does he actually have to kill someone before the silly old fool stops thinking only about himself? It’s not as if he can’t drive around his private estates or will be unable to go anywhere he wants as he has drivers to take him.

Arrogant old twit,