What are the Differences between Dangerous Driving and Careless Driving?
Careless driving is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act, which is a provincial statute and not a criminal offence. However, it can be punishable with a fine or a term of imprisonment or both.
Careless Driving
When a driver is not paying adequate attention to the road, road signs, and people near the road while driving, he or she can be said to be driving carelessly. A careless driver is selfish in that they are not reasonably concerned about consequences of his driving. He ignores traffic rules not because he wants to but because he is careless. Careless driving is one of the major causes of accidents and deaths on the highways.
If convicted, you are liable to:
- A fine ranging from $400 to $2000
- And/or imprisonment for a term up to 6 months
- Your driver’s licence or permit may be suspended for up to 2 years
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
When a competent and careful driver drives a motor vehicle at a high speed without consideration for his personal safety or in a way that endangers the safety of people, animals and properties, he can be said to be driving dangerously. He often ignores traffic rules willfully and shows complete disregard for other people’s lives and properties. Driving a vehicle knowing that it is in dangerous condition also falls in this category. Dangerous driving can be convicted under Canadian criminal law.
If found guilty, you may be liable to a term of up to 14 years imprisonment and/or a fine, probation, licence suspension and a criminal record. All of these punishments will depend on the circumstances of your particular scenario, and whether your dangerous driving caused bodily harm or death.
If you are charged with dangerous driving or careless driving, you should immediately call a criminal defense lawyer. Call Donna V. Pledge, a trusted Toronto criminal lawyer with over two decades of successfully representing clients charged with driving dangerously or carelessly.
