Papparazi are everywhere when the Royals are about. Everyone knows they are 'almost' impossible to avoid. It's an albatross around the royal neck. Driving recklessly to avoid them at any time is foolish, and drinking too much before driving is also foolish. I suppose Paul had drunk too much to analyze his own abilities, and I will always wonder why no one else who was near had realized he should not drive.

The papparazi were a factor only in that they are always a factor. Too bad we can't know what was said in the car as they sped along.