What is Careless Driving?

Careless driving is a criminal charge that is incurred when a driver is accused of either driving without due care and attention, and or driving without reasonable consideration, which are two separate driving offences.

There are many possible causes for careless driving, which typically involves distractions to the driver or irresponsible behaviour, such as driving through a red light. An accident does not have to be caused for a driver to be convicted of careless driving and its causes can be minor, so it is essential that drivers understand what constitutes careless driving and take every measure to avoid it.

In the following guide, the motoring offences experts at JMW Solicitors will explain how you can avoid careless driving, what the charges are and the ways solicitors can approach a careless driving dispute case.

Tips to Avoid Careless Driving

Driving distractions can be split into three categories - physical, mental and sensory - depending on how they originate and the ways in which they affect you and your car. Distractions can be caused by anything from the weather to incoming phone calls; even if you are a competent and careful driver, you may be caught off guard by an occurrence out of your control.

While you may be able to prevent certain distractions, like by putting your mobile phone on silent, there are other distractions that you will not be able to stop from happening, like those caused by the weather or other people. In these cases, the best thing you can do is to prepare.

• Check the weather before you begin your journey to reduce the chances of getting stuck in heavy rain, or being caught off guard by it.
• Charge your phone before a long journey if you plan to use it for navigation hands-free
• Ensure your phone is on silent and is placed out of your sight, or use a mobile phone holder if you need to
• Inform those you have been messaging that you are about to drive and will continue speaking to them when you finish
• If you need to grab or use anything in your car, including your phone, park up safely and switch your engine off before doing so
• Confront and resolve any situations that are causing you stress or distraction before you set off, or affirm that you will deal with them when you finish your journey

Additionally, maintaining a good knowledge of driving laws will enable you to reduce your chances of accidentally committing a careless driving offence. The Highway Code is regularly updated, so you should make sure to stay informed of any changes that are made.

What Are the Penalties for Careless Driving?

Being convicted of a careless or inconsiderate driving offence may lead to penalty points being added to your licence, a driving ban and a prison sentence(if it includes a death). The severity of each of these penalties will vary depending on the context of your offence. The number of points that will be added can range from three to nine, while the prison sentence could be up to five years.

 Penalties for death by careless driving may lead to a five-year prison sentence, as well as a driving disqualification which can require a retest before being able to drive again, and an unlimited fine. Meanwhile, death by careless driving that involved alcohol or drugs can lead to imprisonment for up to 14 years, and a disqualification from driving.

If the police suspect that you were driving under the influence (DUI), they will request that you provide them with a breath, urine or blood specimen.

 When you are convicted of a driving offence, the offence will be added to your licence, denoted with a code. For careless driving, you may receive a CD10 code. If you were charged with causing death by careless driving, you will receive a CD90 code.

How to Mount a Defence Against a Careless Driving Conviction

If you are being prosecuted for a careless driving offence, the first thing you should do is speak to a solicitor - the expert motoring offences team at JMW Solicitors will guide you through the entire process.

 When you contact us, we will discuss your situation, assess your chances of success and explain the process. If you make a claim with us, we will start by gathering evidence that supports your defence. If the evidence against you is strong, it may not be possible to acquit you of your charges. However, we may be able to reduce the sentence looking at the reasons for your actions.

Talk to Us

Speak to the expert motoring offences solicitors at JMW for help with any aspect of a careless or dangerous driving conviction. Call us today on 0345 872 6666, or fill out an online enquiry form and we will call you at a time convenient for you.