Driving Without Due Care and Attention

Careless Driving

Careless driving, or driving without due care and attention, is a lesser offence than dangerous driving, however penalites can include 9 penalty points, disqualification and a fine so this is still a serious matter.

Unlike some other motoring offences the prosecution has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you were driving dangerously. Careless driving can cover many different situations and often judgement is required to determine whether the driving was in fact careless. This means that there are often opportunities to robustly defend the charge or ensure that the penalties are as light as possible.

Penalties increase in relation to the seriousness of the careless driving offence. A court may assume or be wrongly informed about the level of seriousness and deliver a penatly that is more severe than your case warrants. You will need an experienced lawyer to ensure that the court is correctly and fully informed of the particulars of your case and we make every effort to ensure this happens. Contacting us as early as possible helps enormously in this work.

careless driving solicitor

What we can do for you

  • We can provide an initial assesment over the phone. We will present your case before the Court should you wish to instruct us. Call us now on 01142 560111
  • We can discuss with you possible defences or mitigating factors such as a sudden change in the weather conditions.
  • We can trace and interview witnesses on your behalf.
  • We can obtain CCTV where appropriate.
  • We can obtain an accident reconstruction report.
  • We can have your vehicle assessed should you instruct that there was a mechanical fault.
  • We can evaluate and advise you on the strength of the evidence and provide you with copies. Remember you are part of your legal team and you make the decisions, we are there to advise you.
  • We can explain to you the likely penalty you will receive should you plead guilty or be found guilty.

Did you know?

  • The Prosecution must prove that your driving fell below the standard of a reasonable or competent driver or you did not show reasonable consideration for pedestrians or other vehicles on the road.
  • There is no exhaustive list of what constitutes an offence and the definition above is open to interpretation.
  • There does not have to be an accident? You could be smoking, over taking on the inside lane or  not wearing sun glasses.
  • Even if you are to plead guilty we can assist in mitigation on your behalf to the Court.
  • If you receive 6 points within the first 2 years of driving you could have your licence revoked?

Penalties

  • Penalties range from 3 to 9 points or disqualification, and a fine.