In this article, we’re looking at some of the most common road traffic offences and how to avoid them.
In the UK, around a quarter of a million drivers are convicted of driving offences every year, some of which result in hefty fines, and others which have far more serious consequences.
Whilst the idea of a committing a road traffic offence may seem relatively minor, it can be particularly daunting to be accused of a serious crime on the road, especially those which can have life changing consequences such as jail time, driving bans and potential loss of a career, for example.
In this article, we’re looking at some of the most common traffic offences and how you can avoid them.
What is a Road Traffic Offence?
In the UK, all drivers are subject to the rules laid out in the Road Traffic Regulation Act which governs motorists on all public roads in Great Britain. Anybody breaching the rules set out in the act, may be deemed to have committed a traffic offence.
Potential outcomes to many of these offences include fines, driving bans or even prison sentences. This is all asides from a person’s own reputational damages, loss of earnings and the rippling affect an offence can cause on a person’s life.
Common Road Traffic Offences and How to Avoid Them
As we’ve mentioned, about quarter of a million UK drivers commit road traffic offences each year. So, what are the most common road traffic offences?
Speeding
Each year there are over two and a half million speeding offences in England and Wales resulting in fines of up to £100 and three license points. Speed limits in the UK vary depending on the type of road and these limits will usually be marked clearly by road signs.
To avoid speeding offences, drivers should make sure that they leave plenty of time for their journeys and always keep an eye on their speedometer to ensure that they are within the legal speed limit for a particular road.
Driving without due care and attention
This part of the Act relates to any kind of driving behaviour which may endanger a driver, other drivers or pedestrians. This can include driving too close to other vehicles, driving aggressively and driving with objects in the vehicle which may obstruct the driver’s view. Depending on the severity of the offence, this can carry a fine of up to £500 and in a potential three to nine points on your license.
This offence can also encompass what is commonly known as a ‘road rage’ incident whereby one or more persons’ manner of driving results in an altercation between drivers which may escalate to violence and even death. Shockingly, a recent survey showed that 62% of UK motorists have, at one time or another, experienced a road rage incident.
Drivers can avoid this type of offence by familiarising themselves with the Road Traffic Act and ensuring that they concentrate fully on their driving, remaining mindful of pedestrians and other drivers.
Drink and drug driving
One of the more serious road traffic offences is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If found guilty of this offence, motorists will almost certainly lose their license for a period of time and may also be given a fine or even a prison sentence.
In some cases, losing your driving license will also mean losing your job if your work depends on you being on the road. The only way to avoid committing this offence is to refrain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel.
You also need to think about the elapsed time between drinking and driving. For example, if you drink heavily during an evening with an early start in the morning, you may still be over the limit, even if you have slept after drinking.
Causing death by dangerous driving
The most serious of driving offences is causing death by dangerous driving. If your manner of driving – including speeding – results in the death of another person, you will almost certainly be facing a prison sentence.
Even if you feel the incident was not directly your fault, as you are the driver and in control you could still be found guilty as the court could rule that your manner of driving was a contributing factor to a person’s death.
You can avoid this type of offence by watching your speed and being mindful of your driving including your behaviour towards pedestrians and other motorists.
Road traffic accidents and how to avoid them..
In the wrong hands, a motor vehicle is a lethal weapon and one which can destroy lives. Being granted a driving license is a privilege and a responsibility – and one which can be taken away from you should you fall foul of the Road Traffic Act. Often, as drivers become more experienced, they develop bad habits and become more confident, sometimes to the point of arrogance.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of giving your driving a health check to ensure that you are not slipping into bad habits which may ultimately result in you losing your license or even spending time behind bars.
