What is dangerous and/or careless driving?
According to current legislation, a driver is guilty of dangerous driving in one of two ways. Firstly, the way he or she drives falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and secondly it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous. There are two forms of the careless and inconsiderate driving offences: • Driving without due care and attention, ie the motorist did not show the proper care and attention of a reasonable, competent and prudent driver; • And driving without reasonable consideration for other road users. The evidence must show that other road users were inconvenienced by the inconsiderate driving of the defendant. Speeding, using a mobile phone, reading a map, eating, drink-driving, plus many others incidents, could all be considered as dangerous and/or careless driving. What are the penalties? The maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving is a 14-year jail term. Other options incl
