What are the consequences?

[WingChunDave]

Someone I know recently had a car accident where they fell asleep at the wheel.

Apparently writing off their car and hitting four others. I believe the other cars were parked.

What is likely to happen? Points? Fine? Re-education? Possible charge of dangerous driving?

[Dwight VanDriver]

If Plod were involved and investigating as opposed to just ensuring names/addresses exchanged on a non injury accident and gleam evidence that driver fell asleep, then may well consider putting file to CPS for consideration of dangerous or at least due care. Conviction for which leads to fine, points or possible disqualification. Severity of punishment will depend on what charhge is preferred.

DVD

[WingChunDave]

Cheers for that DVD.

Not sure if the Bib attended but I think it was likely.

Ta

Dave.

[puggit]

Can't remember the name of the bloke, but the driver responsible for the Selby rail crash (GNER train and goods train) was jailed for falling asleep...

[cptsideways]

If no stupidity was involved ie being up till 4am etc, then I see any harsh punishment as a little excessive.

Its a very common accident fault especially on motorways I believe, very easy to happen too.


I myself have great trouble driving at or around 3pm, a quick nap is always needed. But on two occasions I have found myself wandering and very nearly had a pile up on each occasion. I never take the risk of driving through it though, but it'd be easy to without realising. I just stop for a kip regardless nowadays.

[TripleS]

puggit said:

Can't remember the name of the bloke, but the driver responsible for the Selby rail crash (GNER train and goods train) was jailed for falling asleep...

Gary Hart - accident resulted in about 10 deaths. The case was discussed here at great length some months ago.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[TripleS]

cptsideways said:

If no stupidity was involved ie being up till 4am etc, then I see any harsh punishment as a little excessive. Its a very common accident fault especially on motorways I believe, very easy to happen too. I myself have great trouble driving at or around 3pm, a quick nap is always needed. But on two occasions I have found myself wandering and very nearly had a pile up on each occasion. I never take the risk of driving through it though, but it'd be easy to without realising. I just stop for a kip regardless nowadays.

Yes you're right, it can happen all too easily. I had a narrow escape many years ago, and was fortunate that no accident resulted.

The only safe thing to do is stop for a break as soon as the first sign of drowsiness appears. It is very tempting to carry on and think you can force yourself to stay awake, but in my experience it doesn't work. You can not guarantee to stay awake - well I couldn't.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[GKP]

Another way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is to do something that requires a lot of concentration and/or adrenalin.

About 160mph should do!

[streaky]

GKP said:

Another way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is to do something that requires a lot of concentration and/or adrenalin. About 160mph should do!

Ah, but you have to be the creme de la creme of drivers to do that - Streaky