The Triple Whammy: Careless Driving, Failure to Stop and Failure to Report

Driving offences – Dealing with The Triple Whammy of Careless Driving, Failure to Stop and Failure to Report after an accident

Most people probably know someone who has been involved in a road traffic accident.

Under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, If a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, they are guilty of an offence.

Even brief lapses in concentration can amount to careless or inconsiderate driving, with serious consequences.

After an accident, your legal duties are clear (Section 170 RTA 1988) to:

• Stop
• Exchange details (name, address, and vehicle details)

–    Report to police within 24 hours (if not done at the scene) and produce evidence of insurance

Even a minor scrape, let alone a more serious accident can result in prosecutions for careless or inconsiderate driving, which are often coupled with prosecutions for Failure to Stop and Failure to Report an accident. Each offence may result in penalty points, fines, disqualification and in the most serious cases of failure to stop and report – imprisonment.

Penalty points can very quickly accumulate when all three offences are charged in relation to a single incident and when added together can result in you being banned as a “totter” – having 12 points or more on your licence at the time of the offence.

So, if you want to try and deal with the triple whammy of careless driving, failure to stop and failure to report in the most effective way possible, get in touch.