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#Fatal5 – No 1. Careless Driving |
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Hi Latchford East
There are 5 main contributing factors to Road Traffic Collisions. These are careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, and speeding.
Over the next few months we’ll explain what these are and what they actually mean in legal terms and reality. The offence of driving without due care and attention (careless driving) under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 is committed when the defendant's driving falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver - section 3ZA(2) of the RTA 1988.
Some examples of careless or inconsiderate driving are:
overtaking on the inside; driving too close to another vehicle; driving through a red light by mistake; turning into the path of another vehicle; the driver being avoidably distracted by tuning the radio, lighting a cigarette etc. flashing lights to force other drivers to give way; misusing lanes to gain advantage over other drivers; unnecessarily staying in an overtaking lane; unnecessarily slow driving or braking; dazzling other drivers with un-dipped headlights.
The list is not definitive. Essentially it is actions that demonstrate a lack of reasonable consideration for other road users i.e. causing inconvenience or annoying behaviour.
Penalties:
Fines: Up to an unlimited fine for careless and inconsiderate driving. Penalty points: 3 to 9 penalty points endorsed on the driving license. Driving disqualification: In more serious cases, drivers may face a driving ban.
When faced with an inconsiderate driver:
Prioritize safety: Maintain a safe following distance and avoid escalating the situation with the other driver. Stay calm: Don't let another driver's bad behavior lead you to drive dangerously or distract you from the road. Avoid confrontation: Don't make eye contact or gestures that could provoke the other driver. Give them space: Allow the inconsiderate driver to pass or create distance between your vehicles. Report serious offenses: If necessary, pull over to a safe place and report dangerous or erratic driving to the police
Kind regards Suzie Armstrong-Owen 23566 Latchford East | ||
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