A pensioner is today fighting for his life after a serious car crash when he drove the wrong way up one of Hampshire's busiest roads.
Police are appealling for witnesses after a serious crash left a Hampshire road closed for more than five hours.
The two-vehicle collision on the southbound stretch of the A34 at Sutton Scotney left a the 74-year-old man with life threatening injuries after the silver Peugeot he was driving collided with a Landrover.
advertisement
Police say the car was heading northbound on the southbound stretch when it collided with the Landrover.
The 46-year-old male driver of the Landrover Discovery and his 49-year-old female passenger suffered minor injuries.
The incident happened at around 7.40pm last night and the pensioneris now recovering in Southampton General Hospital.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit at Weyhill quoting Operation Hartington on 0845 045 4545.
Posted by: D Ryver, Geddit on 8:50am Fri 28 Mar 08
Can you imagine the uproar if it was a young driver who had made this mistake? There would be uproar from the cloth cap, driving gloved Saga brigade. But instead the response will be a sad shake of the head about this poor old boy who was confused.
Scarey though it is, I agree with Denzil. There should be regular retesting of drivers, particularly when they get older. I'm suprised the govt haven't already done this - it could be another nice little earner for our kleptocratic overlords.
Can you imagine the uproar if it was a young driver who had made this mistake? There would be uproar from the cloth cap, driving gloved Saga brigade. But instead the response will be a sad shake of the head about this poor old boy who was confused.
Scarey though it is, I agree with Denzil. There should be regular retesting of drivers, particularly when they get older. I'm suprised the govt haven't already done this - it could be another nice little earner for our kleptocratic overlords.
Posted by: Philosopher my arse, Southampton on 8:59am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote:
Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way? [/quote] You're an idiot.
Philosopher wrote:
Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way?
Posted by: Philosopher, Southampton on 9:05am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way? [/quote] You're an idiot.[/quote] My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you've written has amused me. But who's to say what an idiot is....?
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote: Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way?
You're an idiot.
My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you've written has amused me. But who's to say what an idiot is....?
Posted by: Philosopher my arse, Southampton on 9:09am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way? [/quote] You're an idiot.[/quote] My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you've written has amused me. But who's to say what an idiot is....?[/quote] I am to say. I guess you have been reading 'Philosophy for dummies'?
Philosopher wrote:
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote: Who\'s to say that this man wasn\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way?
You're an idiot.
My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you've written has amused me. But who's to say what an idiot is....?
I am to say. I guess you have been reading 'Philosophy for dummies'?
Posted by: Philospher, Southampton on 9:18am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: Who\\\'s to say that this man wasn\\\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way? [/quote] You\'re an idiot.[/quote] My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you\'ve written has amused me. But who\'s to say what an idiot is....?[/quote] I am to say. I guess you have been reading \'Philosophy for dummies\'?[/quote] I have a first class honours degree from Cambridge. Care to meet for an IQ test? Now that would be fun.
Seriously though, I am sorry for this injured chap and wish him a speedy recovery. With so many cars on the road, there will be many more awful accidents. I recently saw an elderley couple driving the wrong way down a slip road onto the M27. They had a look of puzzled bemusement as they continue onto the motorway of oncoming traffic.
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote:
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote: Who's to say that this man wasn't driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way?
You\'re an idiot.
My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you\'ve written has amused me. But who\'s to say what an idiot is....?
I am to say. I guess you have been reading \'Philosophy for dummies\'?
I have a first class honours degree from Cambridge. Care to meet for an IQ test? Now that would be fun.
Seriously though, I am sorry for this injured chap and wish him a speedy recovery. With so many cars on the road, there will be many more awful accidents. I recently saw an elderley couple driving the wrong way down a slip road onto the M27. They had a look of puzzled bemusement as they continue onto the motorway of oncoming traffic.
Posted by: Philosopher my arse, Southampton on 9:32am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Philospher[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher my arse[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Philosopher[/bold] wrote: Who\\\'s to say that this man wasn\\\'t driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way? [/quote] You\'re an idiot.[/quote] My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you\'ve written has amused me. But who\'s to say what an idiot is....?[/quote] I am to say. I guess you have been reading \'Philosophy for dummies\'?[/quote] I have a first class honours degree from Cambridge. Care to meet for an IQ test? Now that would be fun. Seriously though, I am sorry for this injured chap and wish him a speedy recovery. With so many cars on the road, there will be many more awful accidents. I recently saw an elderley couple driving the wrong way down a slip road onto the M27. They had a look of puzzled bemusement as they continue onto the motorway of oncoming traffic.[/quote] Ha, good banter! (I'll take your word for the outstanding qualifications!)
I agree. In seriousness though, much care is taken to ensure that young / new drivers are put through what are actually quite rigorous tests to make to roads full of safe drivers.
Also, at the age of 74, I would question whether or not this chap has ever taken a test of proficiency?
THIS is the problem. I learnt to drive 2 years after my fiancée passed her test and I was taught many different techniques. i.e. whether to block change gears, use brakes to gently slow or use gears etc.
Therefore there are a number of different driver groups, with a different style and understanding of what makes a good driver so is it any wonder why people criticise each other?
10 year re-testing, which should be shortened to 5 year testing at 60. Reduced costs and this should be passed on by insurers in their premiums.
Philospher wrote:
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote:
Philosopher my arse wrote:
Philosopher wrote: Who's to say that this man wasn't driving the right way and it was everybody else who was going the wrong way?
You\'re an idiot.
My dear fellow, you have complemented me well indeed. The irony of what you\'ve written has amused me. But who\'s to say what an idiot is....?
I am to say. I guess you have been reading \'Philosophy for dummies\'?
I have a first class honours degree from Cambridge. Care to meet for an IQ test? Now that would be fun. Seriously though, I am sorry for this injured chap and wish him a speedy recovery. With so many cars on the road, there will be many more awful accidents. I recently saw an elderley couple driving the wrong way down a slip road onto the M27. They had a look of puzzled bemusement as they continue onto the motorway of oncoming traffic.
Ha, good banter! (I'll take your word for the outstanding qualifications!)
I agree. In seriousness though, much care is taken to ensure that young / new drivers are put through what are actually quite rigorous tests to make to roads full of safe drivers.
Also, at the age of 74, I would question whether or not this chap has ever taken a test of proficiency?
THIS is the problem. I learnt to drive 2 years after my fiancée passed her test and I was taught many different techniques. i.e. whether to block change gears, use brakes to gently slow or use gears etc.
Therefore there are a number of different driver groups, with a different style and understanding of what makes a good driver so is it any wonder why people criticise each other?
10 year re-testing, which should be shortened to 5 year testing at 60. Reduced costs and this should be passed on by insurers in their premiums.
[quote]THIS is the problem. I learnt to drive 2 years after my fiancée passed her test and I was taught many different techniques. i.e. whether to block change gears, use brakes to gently slow or use gears etc.
Therefore there are a number of different driver groups, with a different style and understanding of what makes a good driver so is it any wonder why people criticise each other?[/quote]
Very good point - the driving teaching styles have evolved greatly over time. The emphasis when I was driving seemed to be to look well down the road at the prevailing conditions and plan ahead. E.g. Approaching roundabouts seeing if it is safe to go. But there are a certain older generation who always pull up to an imaginary STOP line at the roundabout, before then looking to their right for signs of traffic.
Similarly braking styles and use of gears to slow down - very different styles.
THIS is the problem. I learnt to drive 2 years after my fiancée passed her test and I was taught many different techniques. i.e. whether to block change gears, use brakes to gently slow or use gears etc.
Therefore there are a number of different driver groups, with a different style and understanding of what makes a good driver so is it any wonder why people criticise each other?
Very good point - the driving teaching styles have evolved greatly over time. The emphasis when I was driving seemed to be to look well down the road at the prevailing conditions and plan ahead. E.g. Approaching roundabouts seeing if it is safe to go. But there are a certain older generation who always pull up to an imaginary STOP line at the roundabout, before then looking to their right for signs of traffic.
Similarly braking styles and use of gears to slow down - very different styles.
Posted by: Pedant, Southampton on 10:10am Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]hulla[/bold] wrote:
Shame the man got hurt, but according to the Echo, anyroad with an accident appears to be \"one of Hampshires busiest roads\"[/quote] Sometimes the moniker of "one of Hampshire's busiest roads" is apt. The A34 certainly qualifies.
hulla wrote:
Shame the man got hurt, but according to the Echo, anyroad with an accident appears to be \"one of Hampshires busiest roads\"
Sometimes the moniker of "one of Hampshire's busiest roads" is apt. The A34 certainly qualifies.
Wasnt some old woman caught driving down the motorway the other day?
The same woman who was also stopped for doing 25mph on the motorway by the police.
My grandfather last night said you should have to take you test again at 60 and have doctors appointment each year.
I agree and it seems you people do too!
G
Wasnt some old woman caught driving down the motorway the other day?
The same woman who was also stopped for doing 25mph on the motorway by the police.
My grandfather last night said you should have to take you test again at 60 and have doctors appointment each year.
Posted by: Glenn Hiscock., soton on 11:09am Fri 28 Mar 08
Me and Denzil have had some of the most spectacular arguements on here... The Echo have actually been busy removing most of our insults to each other but this time... This time, I agree with him. They are
Me and Denzil have had some of the most spectacular arguements on here... The Echo have actually been busy removing most of our insults to each other but this time... This time, I agree with him. They are
Posted by: Glenn Hiscock, Soton on 11:13am Fri 28 Mar 08
Oops!! But they are a danger to the roads and yearly tests over 65 (not 60 though Denz) is the only way surely. Im suprised they havent come up with the idea and charge the poor OAP'S out of their pockets with this idea either. Hope i dont give them ideas as it should be free of charge if ever they do this.
Oops!! But they are a danger to the roads and yearly tests over 65 (not 60 though Denz) is the only way surely. Im suprised they havent come up with the idea and charge the poor OAP'S out of their pockets with this idea either. Hope i dont give them ideas as it should be free of charge if ever they do this.
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can't ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election.
The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens.
People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right.
The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc
Good idea, but can't see it happening :-(
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can't ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election.
The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens.
People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right.
The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc
Posted by: Julian Le Good, Hedge End on 12:42pm Fri 28 Mar 08
A retest for everybody, every 5 years. Hmnn. Can you imagine the effect this would have on our economy; thousands of drivetrs failing the re-test every year because (and let's be honest) how many of us drive without fauls we've picked up over the years, not in themselves dangerous, but enough to fail a test - so lorry drivers fail - goods aren't delivered, commuters fail, can't get to work, can't make a living. we'd all be a lot safer, but so impoverished we couldn't afford a car anyway. I assume Dexter doesn't actually need a car for his job?
A retest for everybody, every 5 years. Hmnn. Can you imagine the effect this would have on our economy; thousands of drivetrs failing the re-test every year because (and let's be honest) how many of us drive without fauls we've picked up over the years, not in themselves dangerous, but enough to fail a test - so lorry drivers fail - goods aren't delivered, commuters fail, can't get to work, can't make a living. we'd all be a lot safer, but so impoverished we couldn't afford a car anyway. I assume Dexter doesn't actually need a car for his job?
Hmm... these retests for drivers to see if they are safe drivers seem to be a nice idea.
Can we extend the idea?
How about a test to see if individuals are safe to be amongst the community? No?
Hmm... these retests for drivers to see if they are safe drivers seem to be a nice idea.
Can we extend the idea?
How about a test to see if individuals are safe to be amongst the community? No?
[quote][bold]Sam[/bold] wrote:
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can't ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election. The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens. People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right. The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc Good idea, but can't see it happening :-( [/quote] Sam,
Can't you see that in the near future in order to buy fuel for your car you will need to have the index number checked by the filling station attendent before you fuel up - to ensure the car is taxed, MOT'ed and insured.
Selling fuel for use in an uninsured vehicle is like selling bullets when guns are banned.
Sam wrote:
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can't ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election. The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens. People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right. The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc Good idea, but can't see it happening :-(
Sam,
Can't you see that in the near future in order to buy fuel for your car you will need to have the index number checked by the filling station attendent before you fuel up - to ensure the car is taxed, MOT'ed and insured.
Selling fuel for use in an uninsured vehicle is like selling bullets when guns are banned.
Posted by: Julian Le Good, Hedge End on 5:49pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Much as I like Fred's idea of linking the filling station to the DVLA computer (and avoid selling fuel to un taxed/insured motorists) the spectre of "government computer failure" hovers over the idea. Can you imagine what would happen if the donkey running the generator in Swansea was slipped a Horlicks? No computer, no fuel. The green woolly-heads would love it, but for those of us in the real world..........
Much as I like Fred's idea of linking the filling station to the DVLA computer (and avoid selling fuel to un taxed/insured motorists) the spectre of "government computer failure" hovers over the idea. Can you imagine what would happen if the donkey running the generator in Swansea was slipped a Horlicks? No computer, no fuel. The green woolly-heads would love it, but for those of us in the real world..........
Posted by: Derek, Dibden Purlieu on 7:28pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
Terrible, another example of why we should have yearly retests for the over 60's.[/quote] If this is what you'd do to someone causing an accident by driving the wrong way, what would you do to the rest of the drivers on the M3 and M27 who had accidents this afternoon while they were going the right way?
Denzil wrote:
Terrible, another example of why we should have yearly retests for the over 60's.
If this is what you'd do to someone causing an accident by driving the wrong way, what would you do to the rest of the drivers on the M3 and M27 who had accidents this afternoon while they were going the right way?
Posted by: ex sot'on, Abingdon on 7:34pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Poor old chap, he only wanted to drive one way anyhow, the road looks different from the other side. Perhaps he had just returned from France or spent some time in the States so was confused. He should get better soon and then take a new modern driving test before making his next journey, remember Tiredness Kills! The A34 is busy all the way up to the Bicester turn at the M40, the road is full of incident all the way, I know I use it only too often.
Poor old chap, he only wanted to drive one way anyhow, the road looks different from the other side. Perhaps he had just returned from France or spent some time in the States so was confused. He should get better soon and then take a new modern driving test before making his next journey, remember Tiredness Kills! The A34 is busy all the way up to the Bicester turn at the M40, the road is full of incident all the way, I know I use it only too often.
Posted by: maddie, forset on 10:18pm Fri 28 Mar 08
i am sorry the man is hurt, and agree if this had been a middle aged person there would be uproar. i today in a supermarket car park nearly got hit my a little old dear in her 05 plate volvo estate when asked why she had ignored the zebra crossing she replied she didnt see me my oh my i must of lost loads of weight
i am sorry the man is hurt, and agree if this had been a middle aged person there would be uproar. i today in a supermarket car park nearly got hit my a little old dear in her 05 plate volvo estate when asked why she had ignored the zebra crossing she replied she didnt see me my oh my i must of lost loads of weight
[quote][bold]Fred[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Sam[/bold] wrote:
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can\'t ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election. The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens. People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right. The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc Good idea, but can\'t see it happening :-( [/quote] Sam,
Can\'t you see that in the near future in order to buy fuel for your car you will need to have the index number checked by the filling station attendent before you fuel up - to ensure the car is taxed, MOT\'ed and insured.
Selling fuel for use in an uninsured vehicle is like selling bullets when guns are banned.[/quote] They'd just be an increase in the theft of fuel from licenced vehicles.
There are still enough old fashioned petrol stations to be able to fill up and pay by cash without being tracked by computer.
And its not for the petrol stations to get involved with the enforcement of government laws. This is what we pay our ever rising taxes for (8+% hants police?) - enforcement.
Fred wrote:
Sam wrote:
Yes I am with you on the regular re tests. I trained as a driving instructor a number of years ago and it was always being discussed back then. Unfortunately I can\'t ever see it coming in, as the government that brought it in would definitely be voted out at the next election. The only way to do it would be to say that anyone who passes their test after say 1 Jan 2010 is only granted a 10-year licence instead of until they are well pensioned off as currently happens. People forget a driving licence is a privilege not a right. The down side would be that it would have to be paid for, and I imagine that unfortunately by doing this we would find a lot more unlicensed drivers on the roads. This then leads to their insurance being invalid etc etc Good idea, but can\'t see it happening :-(
Sam,
Can\'t you see that in the near future in order to buy fuel for your car you will need to have the index number checked by the filling station attendent before you fuel up - to ensure the car is taxed, MOT\'ed and insured.
Selling fuel for use in an uninsured vehicle is like selling bullets when guns are banned.
They'd just be an increase in the theft of fuel from licenced vehicles.
There are still enough old fashioned petrol stations to be able to fill up and pay by cash without being tracked by computer.
And its not for the petrol stations to get involved with the enforcement of government laws. This is what we pay our ever rising taxes for (8+% hants police?) - enforcement.
Posted by: Mr Moo, The field on 10:09pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Hope the old boy pulls through.
I agree with a re-test after a certain number of years, including a compulsory reaction test similar to an emergency stop, as i've always wondered how different the reactions of a drunk driver are to an elderly person.
Hope the old boy pulls through.
I agree with a re-test after a certain number of years, including a compulsory reaction test similar to an emergency stop, as i've always wondered how different the reactions of a drunk driver are to an elderly person.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
We ask you to keep your comments respectful and bear in mind the subject matter. Please avoid tasteless and abusive language. We reserve the right to pass on details to the police/and or the business which owns any computers being used to place inappropriate material. For more information see our terms and conditions.
Print
Email this
Comment
