newusername
Well-known member
I’m guessing ‘careless driving’ was easier for the CPS than manslaughter.
The offence of "Causing death by Dangerous Driving" (DbDD) was brought in as it was thought that juries were not convicting drivers of manslaughter. Manslaughter being associated with "criminals" & "criminal acts" not normal people driving cars. The sentences available for DbDD
did mirror those available for manslaughter.
The offence of "Causing death by Careless Driving" was brought in as it was thought that juries were not convicting drivers of DbDD unless their behaviour was egregious (excessive speed, drink, drugs).
Dangerous driving is defined as being a manner of driving that falls significantly below the acceptable standards of competency and driving that is obviously dangerous to a competent driver.
Careless driving is defined as being a manner of driving that falls below the acceptable standards of competency and driving to a competent driver.
Doing 60 in a 40, losing control & killing someone is obviously dangerous.
Without knowing the details in this case it wouldn't surprise me if they were charged with DbDD but agreed to plead guilty to Death by Careless Driving.