Causing Death By Dangerous Driving

Causing Death By Dangerous Driving

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Causing Death By Dangerous Driving

Motoring Offences


Causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment as well as a mandatory disqualification from driving for a minimum of two years, with a compulsory extended re-test, and is the most serious driving offence that can only be dealt with in the Crown Court. It is not to be confused with causing death by careless driving, which carries a lower maximum sentence.

Section 1 of the 1988 Act states that “a person who causes the death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place is guilty of an offence.” The prosecution must prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the death of another person was caused by the defendant’s ´dangerous driving´.

The offence of dangerous driving is committed if it can be shown that the defendants driving fell far below the standard expected of a ‘competent and careful driver’ and it would be obvious to this type of driver, that driving in this way would be dangerous.

The wording of the offence makes it easily open to interpretation. Our extensive knowledge and experience have made a crucial difference to the outcome of every one of our dangerous driving cases.

Some quick examples of dangerous driving are;

  • Racing, going too fast, or driving aggressively
  • Knowingly driving in an unsafe vehicle
  • Overtaking in an unsafe manner
  • Causing injury to others
  • Ignoring traffic signs or signals

This list is not complete, and dangerous driving allegations are brought on the merits of the case as considered by the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. The offence of causing death by dangerous driving is a separate offence, carrying even more severe penalties. Due to the very nature of the case we handle our cases with the utmost care and sensitivity.

An allegation of this level of seriousness should only be dealt with by experienced motoring law solicitors such as Gray & Co. If your case involves a fatality, please contact one of our team for professional and confidential legal advice. Simply give us a call on 01244 344299 or use our online contact form to get in touch straight away.

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01244 344299

1 Grey Friars, Chester, CH1 2NW

Emergency 24hr: 07537 170352

Office Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 08:45 – 17:15 and Saturday morning by appointment

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