[MTVN]

According to the article death by careless driving carries a maximum sentance of 5 years

Death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentance of 14 years

Is the difference between the two so great? Surely if you're driving carelessly, you are being dangerous

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by MTVN

According to the article death by careless driving carries a maximum sentance of 5 years

Death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentance of 14 years

Is the difference between the two so great? Surely if you're driving carelessly, you are being dangerous

In laymans terms:

Careless driving is the standard of driving which falls below the expected standard of a competent driver.

Dangerous driving is the standard of driving which falls FAR below the expected standard of a competent driver.


The police would probably charge with the more serious charge of dangerous, depending on the evidence at the time they charge the person.

The CPS would follow through on that charge or reduce/increase it depending on the evidence the police sent them and any follow up evidence obtained

But in the end it would the Jury or Magistrate/Sheriff decided as to how far below the standard the person accused fell.