Injuries caused by dangerous driving
Careless driving or a momentary lapse of judgement often goes without consequences. However, on occasion carelessness behind the wheel can lead to serious injury for other road users. Careless driving is different from reckless driving as careless is often a momentary lapse of concentration whereas reckless driving often involves an intention to commit an offence or have little regard for the law. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road as they do not have the protection afforded to them by motorists.
Taking your eye off the road for a split second or performing the following actions can cause an accident:
- Use of a mobile phone
- Distracted by passengers such as talking & arguing
- Eating behind the wheel
- Lighting a cigarette
- Turning a car radio
- Reading a map
Reckless driving is when the driver purposely intends to break the law or does not care about the result of their actions, such as speeding and other manoeuvres that endanger other road users, including:
- Going through a red light
- Undertaking vehicles
- Driving too close to a vehicle
- Emerging from a side road into a path of another vehicle
- Carrying too many passengers in the vehicle
- Cutting in and out of traffic
- Failing to yield to another driver
In each situation there is a risk that serious injury will follow. Reckless drivers are more of a risk to motorcyclists as they do not take the time to look carefully before pulling out onto a junction or side road, nor do they check their blind spot.