Road Traffic - Fatal Offences and Bad Driving
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance provides a comprehensive framework for prosecutors regarding the prosecution of serious road traffic offences including dangerous and careless driving. It outlines evidential considerations, definitions of key offences, and public interest factors when deciding on prosecutions. It emphasizes the importance of assessing culpability based on driving standards and the potential outcomes of the behaviour exhibited by drivers. Additionally, the guidance covers various related offences that may arise in cases involving fatalities or serious injuries.
Key points
- Guidance assesses the definition of 'dangerous' and 'careless' driving.
- Factors irrelevant to the determination of dangerous or careless driving are highlighted.
- There are specific considerations for designated persons driving for police purposes.
- Prosecutors must weigh public interest factors in cases involving fatalities or serious injuries.
- Distinct offences are applicable for using a vehicle as a weapon and corporate manslaughter.
Public-interest factors
- Impact on family of the accused in close friends and family cases
- Emergency service driving considerations
- History of the driver's previous offences
- Severity of injury or death caused
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.