Careless Driving

Careless driving, also known as driving without due care and attention, is a wide-ranging offence that covers many everyday driving situations. To be guilty of careless driving, you do not have to be deliberately careless. You simply have to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or public place. The Road Traffic Act 1988 defines when a person is to be regarded as driving carelessly or without reasonable consideration. It states that a person is regarded as driving without due care and attention if the way they drove falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. And a person is regarded to be driving without reasonable consideration for others if those people are inconvenienced by their driving. Therefore, the definitions and what can be judged as careless or inconsiderate are quite far reaching. This can include things like failing to maintain a safe distance, running a red light, being distracted, or slow driving, or breaking without good cause. As the threshold for what can amount to careless driving is very low, there are countless circumstances where careless driving might be alleged. As the possible list of reasons why an individual might be charged with careless driving are quite wide, it is important to understand that what the police may view as careless or inconsiderate may in fact either be unavoidable or may not meet the threshold for conviction. Each case will depend on its own facts and that having the right representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. The penalties for careless driving depend on the circumstances. In less serious cases, the police might offer a driver improvement course or issue a fixed penalty notice for three points in a fine. But if the matter goes before the court, you could be facing three to nine penalty points an unlimited fine or a possible driving disqualification. At Olliers, we appreciate how much is at stake when facing a careless driving allegation. Our specialist motoring solicitors will consider the circumstances of the offence and analyse the evidence in the case and advise you on whether a guilty plea or a not guilty plea is suitable for you. If your driving was careless due to factors such as unknown mechanical defect or external factor outside your control, you may have complete defence to the charge. Our team is experienced in defending these cases, challenging evidence where appropriate, and putting forward strong mitigation if a conviction cannot be avoided. If you are facing an allegation of careless driving, get in touch with our motoring department today. The sooner you seek advice, the better your chances of protecting your license and securing the best possible result.