RODNEY KING & PARTNERS
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Driving without due care and attention / Careless driving
At Rodney King & Partners solicitors we have a great deal of experience in defending all types of motoring offences including driving without due care and attention.
Allegations of driving without due care and attention can be prosecuted on the legal basis of:
- Your driving fell below the standard expected of a competent driver
or - You did not show reasonable consideration for other road users (vehicles or pedestrians)
Prosecutions for this offence are often brought by the Police following an accident. In some cases, the fact that an accident was caused may be used as a basis for the prosecution, by stating that it is self evident that the standard of driving was below the expected level. 
The law does not explicitly state what constitutes careless driving, but some examples of behaviour that has been used in prosecutions include:
- Pulling out of a side junction into the path of another vehicle
- Not paying enough attention to the road; this may be because you were distracted (using a ' sat nav', lighting a cigarette, etc)
- Driving too fast for the road conditions
- Causing an accident
- Tailgating another vehicle
In terms of penalties, this crime is less serious than Dangerous Driving. The penalty for careless driving is usually a fine and penalty points (between 3 and 9), or disqualification from driving for a period of time.
Do I need a solicitor for a Careless Driving charge?
You do not need a solicitor to represent you at Court, but would be well advised to consider obtaining one, and particularly if your case is complicated and/or you think you might want to plead not guilty. A Court will not be impressed by someone with little understanding of the law trying to defend themselves based on hearsay and incorrect advice.
A solicitor with specialist knowledge and experience of motoring law will offer you the best chance of achieving a favourable outcome in your case.
Contact us to speak to one of our solicitors and to find out how we can help you.
