Careless Driving
If the standard of your driving falls below that expected of a “reasonable, prudent and competent driver”, you can be charged with careless driving (or driving without due care and attention).
This is not a minor offence; you’ll get 3-9 points for sure and the maximum penalties include disqualification from driving and a £2500 fine. A quick chat with motoring solicitors will inform you that there are many specific offences that can constitute driving without due care and attention, including:
• Driving through a red light.
• Driving too close to another vehicle.
• Overtaking on the inside of another vehicle.
• Using a mobile phone whilst driving.
• Reading whilst driving (including maps).
• Lighting a cigarette whilst driving.
In fact, merely looking at and talking to a passenger can satisfy the requirements for you to be charged with careless driving!
Sometimes, if you are involved in an accident, there will be no evidence of an explanation other than the incompetence of your driving. In these cases, you can still find yourself charged with careless driving, despite the fact that nobody witnessed it – on the grounds that there is a strong indication that it was your failure to drive with due care and attention that led to the accident occurring.
The bottom line: is it easy to forget how dangerous driving is, so pay attention and drive to the best of your ability at all times.
