Dangerous driving falls into three general categories:
- Dangerous driving
- Careless driving
- Death by dangerous driving
To be guilty of dangerous driving, you must have driven in a way that “falls far below what would be expected of a careful and competent driver”, and it must be evident to a careful and competent driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.
Dangerous driving offences can include such behaviour as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; street racing; driving at excessively high speeds; very aggressive driving; undertaking; weaving between lanes to force your way through traffic; overtaking where it is illegal or simply dangerous such as on a bend or a hill; ignoring road signs, traffic markings or traffic laws; use of a mobile phone while driving; reading a map while driving; and driving a vehicle which is overloaded or not roadworthy.
Often, prosecutions for dangerous driving are brought after a serious road traffic accident. In the most serious cases, a lengthy police chase may have occurred, and the driver may have gone through red traffic lights and driven on the wrong side of the road, placing pedestrians and other drivers at extreme risk.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving dangerous driving, and demonstrating that your standard of driving was far below what would normally be expected after careful driving can be difficult. The prosecution must rely on accident investigators or expert witnesses. You will want a UK solicitor who is an expert in dangerous driving cases and understands how to question the expert witnesses and find witnesses to counter the prosecution.
Information about Dangerous Driving Offences
Dangerous driving is a severe offence and often results in prison sentences. The punishment is between 3 – 11 penalty points and obligatory disqualification for at least one year. In addition, you may receive up to two years imprisonment. Anyone convicted of dangerous driving must take a re-test before being permitted to drive again. Dangerous driving cases can be dealt with in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court.
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