www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/deathwish-van-driver-who-caused-8755389
At first I thought a year's ban, which could have major effect on employment / family / roof over the head was an over reaction but having pondered on this I think it is appropriate.
The big factor in my opinion is how he reacted after the initial incident. If he had pulled over and pooed himself I would think he had learned his lesson. But the fact he immediately went on for another overtake makes me think other road users need protected from him.
I think there will be a lot more of these prosecutions because
a. more and more vehicles have dashcams
b. people are more willing to upload videos to social media
c. media and press agencies are desperately trawling the web for videos to put online to get hits and generate publicity.
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Appalling driving, but all too common. All that marks this case out is the availability of evidence and the fact that an oncoming driver has had to take to the verge.
Not an unreasonable punishment, given that one can be banned for 6 months on a totter for essentially technical offences.
I dislike the tendency to mock or abuse people who provide dashcam evidence in these cases. If it makes people think a bit before doing what they know are dangerous manoeuvres, then good on them.
The reaction to some of them might be overdone, blame the 'media' for that. The pictures do not (usually) lie.
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I agree with Brake (not something I say very often), the sentence was too lenient considering the driver's potentially lethal (to other drivers) overtaking - and then he does it again.
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...and I consider the other drivers having to swere onto the verge an accident and probably did their cars no good, and I'd be claiming on his insurance for a new sump tray, steering parts and wheel alignment.
Last edited by: Shiny on Sat 3 Sep 16 at 18:18
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...and underpants....
(The second car, which is pretty well hidden in the video, went well off the road)
In such cases (of multiple offences and post-the-event charging) I tend to conjecture what would have been the results of a roadside breath or substance test.
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>> a roadside breath or substance test
Drink and/or 'substances' won't improve your driving, but won't do it much harm if you are used to them and keep consumption within bounds. Indeed, addicts' driving may well improve when they aren't pining for stuff or even sick for it.
Don't bother to scold me, chaps. I know these views will appear controversial to naive individuals. Most people aren't addicts (and most of the addicts are addicted to alcohol which amazingly is legal).
Naturally I don't recommend driving under the influence of intoxicants. Asking for trouble if you get pulled in a random road check, just for a start. But unwise in principle and in practice.
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Another dash cam prosecution - Manatee
