Reporting a dangerous driver

As a responsible road user, you play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. If you observe a driver who poses a danger to themselves or others, you should report them to the appropriate authorities.

What is considered a dangerous driver?

A driver who is recklessly speeding, trying to race other drivers, or driving very aggressively can be considered a dangerous driver. However, ignoring traffic lights, road signs or warnings from passengers can also be considered as reckless driving. If the driver is overtaking dangerously, driving while under taking drugs, prescription or otherwise or alcohol, or using a hand-held mobile phone is also considered dangerous, and they should not be behind the wheel. Although not technically illegal, eating, drinking, wearing poor footwear (very high heels or flip flops), not wearing seat belts or tailgating other drivers will also be considered dangerous driving if an accident should occur.

What should you do if you encounter a dangerous or distracted driver?

Most importantly, you must exercise extreme caution and stay a safe distance from the driver and vehicle in question, especially if you feel that the situation is dangerous or could potentially get worse with your intervention. There are no roads better than others to meet an unsafe driver, but on a motorway, they can be much more dangerous as the effects can involve many vehicles, and at faster speeds, many drivers cannot move away from them to safety in good time.

Who should I contact if I come into contact with a dangerous driver?

If you have come into contact with a driver acting carelessly, putting themselves, other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or their passengers in danger, then it is your duty to report them to the correct authorities.  This is 999 if the situation is immediately dangerous and the chance of an accident is very high, or 101 if you have been involved in an incident with a reckless driver but the incident has passed. It is essential not to put yourself in the category of being a dangerous driver yourself when reporting, so make sure you are pulled over and are in a safe place when you do so.

What evidence is needed for dangerous driving?

The law of the ‘Road Traffic Act 1988 ‘states that a person will be regarded as driving dangerously if the way they are driving falls way below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and it will be very obvious to a safe, competent and careful motorist that driving in such a way would be very dangerous. You will need to take as much evidence as you can of the incident, the date and time, the registration, make and models of the vehicles involved, and where possible, the names and insurance details of the drivers (if an accident has occurred) and any dash cam footage plus any witness details if at all possible.  It is wise to take photographs at the scene if possible, as they may help if an insurance claim or police charge is pending.

What are the penalties for dangerous driving in the UK?

If you are convicted of dangerous driving, you can be imprisoned at the worst, especially if death or severe life endangerment is caused. A 12—to 24-month driving ban is common, with an extended driving retest and anything from 3 to 11 points on your licence, depending on the severity of the incident. Other things are considered, such as theft, drink, and drugs, so the range of punishment can be extensive. Failure to stop and report after an incident can incur licence points.

We recommend pursing a dashcam and should you observe any bad driving such as dangerous overtakes, road rage, speeding you can send your video footage to the Police who operate ‘Operation Snap’. If you search for this phrase on a search engine, you will be directed to various Police websites. Follow the relevant links and submit your footage.