Death of Young Girl Highlights Perils For Lorry Drivers And Potential Criminal Charges

Serious Motoring Offences – Considerations For Those In a Driving Occupation.

Essex Police are investigating a tragic collision in Chipping Ongar in which a child sadly died after being struck by a lorry. The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Whenever a fatal road traffic collision occurs, police will carry out a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened. It is important to remember that an arrest does not mean a person is guilty of an offence.

The evidence must be carefully examined before any charging decision is made.

For anyone facing an allegation of causing death by dangerous driving, however, the consequences can be life-changing, particularly where driving forms part of their career.

What Is Causing Death by Dangerous Driving?

Causing death by dangerous driving is one of the most serious road traffic offences in England and Wales. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove that the standard of driving fell far below that expected of a careful and competent driver, and that it would have been obvious to such a driver that the manner of driving was dangerous.

Every case is different. Police collision investigators will examine the road layout, vehicle condition, speed, visibility, weather conditions, CCTV, dashcam footage, witness evidence and, increasingly, digital data from modern vehicles.

Professional Drivers Face Additional Consequences

For HGV, PSV, delivery and commercial vehicle drivers, an investigation can affect far more than the criminal proceedings.

Many employers require drivers to report immediately if they are arrested, interviewed under caution or charged with a criminal offence. Internal investigations may begin long before any court proceedings have concluded.

Depending on the circumstances, a driver may be suspended from driving duties while enquiries continue, potentially affecting both their income and future employment.

Where a conviction follows, the impact can extend well beyond any sentence imposed by the court.

How a Conviction Can Affect Future Employment

A conviction for causing death by dangerous driving is likely to have significant implications for future job opportunities.

Employers within the transport, logistics and haulage sectors often carry out criminal record and licence checks as part of their recruitment process. A serious motoring conviction may make it considerably more difficult to obtain employment involving company vehicles or positions requiring a high level of public trust.

Insurance requirements may also affect whether an employer is able to place someone behind the wheel of commercial vehicles, even after any period of disqualification has ended.

Police Investigations Can Be Complex

Fatal collision investigations are usually carried out by specialist officers and collision investigators. These enquiries can take many months and frequently involve expert forensic evidence.

Investigators may examine tachograph records, vehicle telematics, mobile phone data, maintenance records, dashcam footage and witness statements to build a detailed picture of the incident.

Professional drivers should be particularly careful before providing detailed accounts without first obtaining legal advice, as early decisions can have a significant impact on the direction of the investigation.

Legal Representation Following a Fatal Road Traffic Collision

If you are arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview following a fatal collision, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Early representation allows a solicitor to understand the allegations, review the available evidence disclosed by police and advise you before any interview under caution takes place.

Road traffic investigations involving fatalities are often highly technical, requiring careful consideration of expert evidence alongside the legal issues in the case.

Specialist Criminal Defence Advice for Serious Motoring Offences

Morton’s Solicitors represent clients facing serious road traffic allegations across Stockport, Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas, including cases involving dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

Where your driving licence, career and reputation are at risk, obtaining experienced legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Every case turns on its own facts, and careful preparation from the outset can make a significant difference throughout the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

How We Can Help.

If you have any questions regarding arrests or enquiries relating to dangerous driving or any other driving offences then don’t hesitate to call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.