A 79-year-old, Jane Jones, was fined £1230 in South Cumbria Magistrate’s Court for causing serious injury by careless driving. She had pleaded guilty to the charge at a hearing on June 4, 2025.
Jones, of King’s Drive, Dalton, had caused serious injury to the complainant while driving her Citroen C1 down Duke Street in Barrow. Evidence showed she had been driving without due care and attention when the accident occurred.
In addition to the fine, Jones was ordered to pay a £492 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs. She was disqualified from driving for a period of one year, and must take an extended re-test if she wishes to resume driving.
Careless driving is defined as driving that falls below the expected standards of a careful and competent driver, or when a driver fails to show reasonable consideration for other drivers or pedestrians. Examples of careless driving may include drinking and eating while driving, causing a minor bump with another vehicle or bumping a parked vehicle in a car park. Penalties for the offence include 3 to 9 points on your licence, a fine of up to £2500, and a discretionary disqualification from driving for the most serious offences.
Causing serious injury by careless driving is a more serious offence, introduced on June 28, 2022. It carries a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment and a mandatory driving ban.
If you are accused of careless driving, solicitors can guide and support you through the legal process. Most people depend on being able to drive, and penalties for driving offences can have a big impact on your life. Get in touch with us at Auriga Advocates, and our expert solicitors will provide you with the support you need.