In a BBC Radio 5 programme which obtained a Freedom of Information Request to the Driver and Licensing Vehicle Agency DVLA, it reported that 600 people have been caught driving whilst distracted behind the wheel three times.
One driver apparently was caught 5 times.
These endorsements by the police to drivers distracted are called CU80 endorsements. These type of endorsements are defined as follows:
| CU80 | Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, mobile telephone etc | 3 |
The penalty carries with it 3 points on a motorist licence. But in reality it is little deterrent to the daily use of mobile phones at the wheel which we see on our UK roads.
But Causing Death By Dangerous Driving Using Mobile Phone?
Whilst some drivers will get caught and charged with driving a motor vehicle whilst using a mobile phone the only punishment will be 3 points and a fine. But think about what may or could happen if that momentary lapse of concentration did kill someone on the road. A charge for causing death by dangerous driving can be made.
The charge of;
CU80 – Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, mobile telephone etc
Could leads to something much worse:
DD80 – Causing death by dangerous driving- mobile telephone etc
or
CD80 – Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving – mobile phone usage
Endorsements and Offences
The information below is taken from the GOV.UK website which sets out the motoring penalty points for various charges in addition to the serious offences listed above.
Causing Death by Dangerous Driving – Mobile phone use
These codes must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| DD10 | Causing serious injury by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD40 | Dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD60 | Manslaughter or culpable homicide while driving a vehicle | 3 to 11 |
| DD80 | Causing death by dangerous driving | 3 to 11 |
| DD90 | Furious driving | 3 to 9 |
Causing death by Careless Driving
Codes CD80 and CD90 must stay on a driving record for 4 years from the date of the conviction.
| Code | Offence | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| CD80 | Causing death by careless, or inconsiderate, driving | 3 to 11 |
| CD90 | Causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers | 3 to 11 |
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