When it comes to road use, we all know terrible or obvious dangerous driving, but we probably encounter less clear examples of dangerous driving on a regular basis. We may even commit it ourselves from time to time. If you took your driving test a few years ago, there is a chance that a few bad habits have crept in; in this series, we take a look at some examples of dangerous driving, the consequences if caught, and what you should do if you encounter it.
Dangerous driving is one of the most serious road charges that can be held against someone and can have serious penalties. Defined as “driving below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver”, dangerous driving comes in many forms; some obvious, and some less so. Examples include:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Ignoring directives such as traffic lights and road signs
- Driving under the influence of drink or drugs (prescription or recreational)
- Driving when not capable of doing so, e.g. with an injury or when unable to see clearly
- Driving with an unsafe load or dangerous fault that you are aware of
- Careless driving - Driving when distracted or without paying due care and attention, e.g. when using a phone, looking at a map, changing a CD, talking to a passenger, lighting a cigarette.
Driving faults explained
Driving charges are prefixed by a code DD (dangerous driving) and are as follows:
- DD10 – causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- DD40 – dangerous driving
- DD60 – manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving
- DD80 – causing death by dangerous driving
- DD90 – furious driving.
Penalties for dangerous driving
If you are caught dangerous driving, you could incur a penalty which includes a fine or 3-11 points on your licence. If you are involved in an accident and you were driving dangerously you are very likely to be held responsible for the incident, regardless of whether you were at fault. Points stay on the licence for four years after the date of the offence (not the date of the charge).
In addition to incurring 3-11 points (3-9 for furious driving), DD80 – causing death and DD60 – manslaughter or culpable homicide – have a compulsory driving ban of up to two years. In addition, a driver who amasses more than 12 points on their licence within a 3-year period will face an instant ban. For severe offences, a prison sentence may be handed down; the length of which will depend on the severity of the offence with a maximum sentence of ten years.
It is clear that speeding, for example, is a legal offence, but many offences are committed without the offender even realising or meaning to, for example lane hogging or missing a sign or traffic light. If you are unsure of your driving skills, or you are not a confident driver, refresher courses with a local driving instructor can help to improve your confidence and pick up on any bad habits that have crept in. For more examples of each type of dangerous driving, follow us on Facebook or Twitter for next week’s instalment.