If you are facing a dangerous driving charge, the prosecution may use various types of evidence against you.
In the simplest terms, the Crown Prosecution Service must prove beyond reasonable doubt that your driving fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. This article discusses the different forms of evidence that may be used to build a case:
Dashcam footage
At least 11 million drivers in the UK are thought to have a dashcam. Recorded footage of incidents is a strong form of evidence in dangerous driving cases. The footage may come from your dashcam, another road user or the police.
As a clear visual record, dashcam footage is difficult to dispute. However, before making any assumptions about the outcome, the first step is to establish whether footage exists.
CCTV footage
Footage can also be obtained from fixed cameras at junctions, on buildings or at petrol stations. When investigating an incident, the police may request this footage. It can be used to establish the speed at which a vehicle was travelling, as well as its road positioning and the manner in which it was being driven.
Witness testimony
Independent witnesses, such as other drivers, passengers or pedestrians, may be called to give evidence. The reliability and consistency of witness accounts will be closely scrutinised, and experienced dangerous driving solicitors may examine whether those accounts contradict the physical evidence.
Police observation
If an officer directly witnessed the driving, their testimony is admissible as evidence. Police officers are trained observers, and their accounts are treated seriously by the courts.
Vehicle data
Modern vehicles store a significant amount of data, including information about speed, braking and acceleration. The prosecution can use this data to reconstruct what happened in the moments before an incident.
Medical and toxicology reports
Where drink-driving, drug-driving or impairment caused by a medical condition is alleged, medical and toxicology reports will usually form part of the prosecution’s case. This documentation can include blood test results, GP records and the opinions of medical experts.
Challenges to this evidence typically relate to the methodology used and the chain of custody.