Legal issues
The distinction between careless and dangerous driving is central. Speed alone, distraction, manoeuvres, vehicle condition, fatigue and road conditions must be analysed against the statutory test rather than labelled in isolation.
Evidence that matters
Evidence may include CCTV/dashcam, collision reconstruction, vehicle event data, telematics, mobile-phone evidence, road measurements, weather/visibility, toxicology, witness accounts and mechanical examination.
Reasonable lines of enquiry
Enquiries may include independent reconstruction, full route footage, phone use records, vehicle defects, road signage/lighting, stopping distances and whether another event materially affected causation.
What happens next
Serious and fatal driving cases may proceed to the Crown Court and commonly involve expert evidence. CPS guidance distinguishes dangerous from careless driving by the statutory standard, not simply by outcome severity.
Immediate steps
Preserve dashcam, telematics and phone data. Record route, weather and visibility while fresh. Identify witnesses and nearby CCTV quickly.
What should you send us?
Send the allegation/charge, collision papers, dashcam/CCTV, telematics, expert reports, vehicle records, witness information and next date.