Careless Driving Not Far Short of Dangerous Driving – HGV Driver Keeps his Licence

Helen Newbold, specialist road transport barrister, represented this driver in the Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to a charge driving without due care and attention, in other words careless driving.

The Magistrates watched CCTV of his HGV clipping one car causing it to hit another writing both vehicles off and causing significant injuries to the drivers. The Police Prosecutor described the incident as occurring in heavy traffic on the M25 in winter and that, according to his interview, the driver was unaware of events until he observed them in his mirrors.

After mitigation from Helen Newbold, including a detailed explanation of the number of blind spots an HGV driver must contend with, the Magistrates’ were persuaded to step down from a discretionary disqualification. After the application of credit for an early guilty plea, credit for the remorse shown by the driver and his personal circumstances the driver received a moderate fine and 9 points on his licence.