Dangerous Driving This is a much more serious charge than careless driving or driving without due care and attention. A person whose driving falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous is guilty of an offence. But what does that mean? The hot pursuit chases on roads by police cars are obvious examples of dangerous driving but on a motorway, a speeding case of 130 mph+ is also likely to be charged as dangerous driving! There are also examples of drivers stopping on a clearway to answer mobile phones and thereby causing obstructions to the traffic and, if an accident ensues, a dangerous driving charge is "on the cards."
The problem with dangerous driving is the penalties. A court must endorse and disqualify for at least 12 months and must endorse with 3-11 penalty points if, exceptionally, there is no disqualification. In serious cases, there is also risk of imprisonment, particularly so if a death has been caused by the dangerous driving.
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MAXIMUM PENALTY
At least 12 months disqualification. Magistrates Court - recommended community penalty or up to 6 months imprisonment. Crown Court - up to 2 years.
Click the image above to download a .pdf detailing Recommended Sentencing Guidelines for Dangerous Driving as laid down in the Road Traffic Act effective from the 4th August 2008.
