Reporting someone for dangerous driving

Indie_Kid

As a non-driver, there is something that happened yesterday for which I am not too sure on the rules.

Out riding yesterday with someone who tends to drive rather fast - at least compared to other people I sometimes ride with. Anyway, we were behind someone who was driving a bit slow and by this point, he was getting rather annoyed and over took them. In order to do this, he went into the lane where incoming traffic was, (the road on that side was clear) over this car and ended up going really fast. At least I felt he was. That's the one rule I am unsure of - I don't know of anyone who has ever done that - only him.

He then decided to use his mobile phone. He was at sat the wheel whilst we were riding along and had to swerve - he clearly wasn't paying attention.:mad: I do know the rules on that one (well, I know it's illegal) and someone on here did post the actual rules, punishment, etc.

If it makes any difference, we're in England. So, where and how do I report him? I am not the only person to have mentioned that he drives fast. And he has had a few fines through; but that doesn't appear to stop him.:mad: Thankfully, he is having to get rid of his car soon because of how expensive it's becoming.

sh0597

I don't know if you can report someone for speeding or phone use to be honest.


I suppose informing the police via a non emergency number is a possibility, I doubt they will do anything though.

*~Zephyr~*

Did you look at the speedo to see how fast he was actually going? How much over the speed limit was he travelling. And why didn't you say something at the time? If it were me, I'd have asked him to pull over and let me out if he was going to continue to use his phone whilst driving. That's completely unacceptable.

worried_jim

When I first read this I had visions of you and a friend galloping down the highway on your horses!

I think you mean you were a passenger in a car not riding!

I don't think there is anything you can do as you have no proof or evidence so there would be no case to answer for.

wongataa

Anyone can report such incidents. Just go to your local police station or phone them on a non emergency number.

colino

Anyone can report such things and they have, with no evidence or professional knowledge, the right to be ignored.

Johno100

wongataa wrote: »

Anyone can report such incidents. Just go to your local police station or phone them on a non emergency number.

Yes you can report it, but the chances of the police doing anything are slim to none and slim's just left town:rotfl:

Iceweasel

You could report the phone use no problem in doing that as you witnessed it - but what the police will do is up to them and will probably be nothing at all.

Everything else is a matter of judgement - as a non-driver you've missed out a lot - road markings, speed limit, visibility, etc.

You mention 'incoming' traffic - I expect you mean oncoming - but then you say there wasn't any, as the road was clear.

As for fast driving - again as a non driver you would be made a fool of in court by any defence lawyer worth the name. Your conception of speed may be very different from an experienced driver.

Plus I don't understand when you say you've never ever seen anyone do whatever it was he did. Did he not just simply overtake a slow vehicle and had to cross over the centre of the road to do that?

But it'll never get near a court as you have no evidence at all.

The police will no doubt be polite - but will have a laugh at your expense after you finish and lay the phone down.

AdrianC

Using a mobile isn't "dangerous driving".
Exceeding the speed limit isn't "dangerous driving".
Overtaking isn't "dangerous driving". Overtaking - and using the other side of the road to do so - is perfectly legal.

"Dangerous driving" is a very, very serious offence - a minimum 12mo ban, with a need to pass an extended driving test, and up to two years in prison.

Realistically, and at most, there'd be a couple of 3pt/£100 fixed penalties there, by the sound of it. And the word of one non-driving passenger with no evidence other than "I didn't like it, but didn't say anything" is going to get nowhere.

Indie_Kid

Iceweasel wrote: »

Plus I don't understand when you say you've never ever seen anyone do whatever it was he did. Did he not just simply overtake a slow vehicle and had to cross over the centre of the road to do that?

Yes. But after overtaking, he started speeding. Unfortunately, I was not able to see how fast he was going. Nor did I see (not that I pay that much attention unless it's that obvious) if there was any speed limit signs up. But it seems from experience, that he rarely takes notices and whinges at others for going too slow. And then he moans for getting a fine.

facade

The Moneysaving answer: If you don't like the way he drives, don't get into a car with him driving again.

There are a few "Be a snitch" websites where you can post his reg. number anonymously, or you can report him to the Police, but they will tell him who the witness is, and when he denies it you will be called into court to face him if it goes that far.