The world’s largest video hosting site YouTube is beginning to play a larger role in the prosecution of dangerous drivers. An ongoing internet craze sees ‘boy racers’ bragging about the abilities of themselves and their cars, posting videos of races, speeding and dangerous driving.
Authorities have been using the videos in an attempt to prove that drivers were breaking the law but have faced difficulties as the footage does not always confirm all of the factors that would lead to a prosecution.
The video must be able to prove who was driving, where they were driving, how fast they were driving and the car they were driving in. They would subsequently need to be able to prove the car’s speedometer was calibrated and all other factors could not be variable.
An Australian motorcyclist was recently prosecuted when Canberra police discovered a video he had posted online driving at over 200km/h in a 60km/h zone. There was much dispute however as the video consisted of a camera pointed directly at the motorbikes speedometer and showed no proof that it was him, his bike, or on Canberra roads.
18 year old Nathan Campbell was recently charged with speeding and dangerous driving for a video he posted on YouTube which showed him driving at over 140mph down the M65 near Burnley. During the video Campbell raced down the motorway, undertaking cars on the hard shoulder.
Campbell is due to serve 4 months in prison and has been given a three year driving ban in an ruling that the judge claims will act as a deterrent to other young drivers looking to commit copycat offences.
Learn more about totting up 12 points. Stop by Nick Freeman’s site where you can find out all about advice on speeding and what it can do for you.
.jpg)
