The law differentiates between careless driving and dangerous driving and accordingly the punishment for each offence varies depending on the severity.

Careless Driving

Also known as driving without due care and attention, this offence can be committed if your driving is found to have fallen below the reasonable standard expected of a competent driver. This offence is associated with actions performed while driving, such as; tailgating and not paying attention to the road due to performing an action in the car.

The sentence received for careless driving depends on the seriousness of the offence and the punishment received can range from 3 to 9 penalty points, additionally, you could also be fined.

If you kill someone while driving due to carelessness you could be imprisoned for up to five years and be disqualified from driving. It is vitality important that you seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible if you are facing a careless driving offence.

If you are charged with causing a death due to careless driving, the police will most likely want to interview you under caution and you should seek legal representation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Dangerous Driving

Dangerous driving together with causing death by dangerous driving are the most serious road traffic offences that an individual can be charged with and often lead to imprisonment and disqualification from driving.

If your driving is found to have fallen far below the reasonable standard expected of a competent driver and is also found to have been dangerous to the competent driver you may be found guilty of dangerous driving.

Dangerous driving will be determined if it is found that there was a danger of causing physical injury or serious damage to property due to your driving.

The sentence received for dangerous driving, as with careless driving, depends on the seriousness of the offence and the punishment received can be that of imprisonment for up to two years ,an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving. However, the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is imprisonment for a term of 14 years and an unlimited fine together with a minimum ban from driving for two years.

What do I do if I am charged with either offence?

You need to contact a specialist solicitor as soon as you possibility can. Here at Ison Harrison, we are able to advice, assist and will represent you if appropriate. Each case will be decided on its own individual circumstances and for the best outcome to be achieved you need to contact a specialist solicitor at the earliest possible opportunity.

If you would like to speak to a specialist solicitor contact Ghaz Iqbal on 0113 200 7413.