Speeding remains one of the most persistent and devastating causes of fatal collisions on UK roads. This week, the tragic incident in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has once again brought into painful focus the catastrophic consequences that excessive speed can have on innocent lives.
In the early hours of 11 January 2026, four people were killed and five others injured in a head‑on collision on Wigan Road involving a Seat Leon and a Citroën C4 Picasso taxi. Among the victims were three teenagers a 54‑year‑old taxi driver.
When Speed Becomes Lethal
Police investigators have confirmed that they are analysing video footage believed to show the driver of the Seat Leon reaching speeds of up to 122mph minutes before the collision. The footage appears to show the vehicle weaving dangerously through traffic, overtaking at high speed, and veering into oncoming lanes, behaviour that tragically culminated in a head‑on crash with devastating consequences.
Dangerous driving
The law of England and Wales defines dangerous driving as driving that falls ‘far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver’, and where it would be obvious to a reasonable person that the driving is dangerous.
Examples of dangerous driving include but are not limited to driving with excessive speed, racing or competitive driving, ignoring traffic signals, driving on the wrong side of the road, using a vehicle known to be unsafe and driving while distracted.
This case is a clear example of dangerous driving resulting in 4 fatalities. 5 passengers survived with serious injuries.
On rare occasions, a passenger in a vehicle can be prosecuted for aiding and abetting dangerous driving if the prosecution can prove that the passengers actions or presence encouraged or assisted the offender. In such cases, they should be treated as the principal offender.
Causing death by dangerous driving
When dangerous driving causes a fatality, the offence becomes causing death by dangerous driving, one of the most serious motoring offences in the UK.
Potential Penalties Include:
- Up to life imprisonment
- A minimum 5 year driving disqualification
- The requirement for an extended retest before driving again
- Unlimited fines
- Possible vehicle forfeiture
A Preventable Tragedy
While investigations continue, the emerging facts point to a stark and familiar reality: speeding and dangerous driving kills.
This is not simply a matter of breaking the law, it is a matter of life and death. At excessive speeds, a driver does not just endanger themselves; they weaponise their vehicle and place everyone around them at risk.
If you need help with a careless / dangerous driving matter or death by careless / dangerous driving or any other motoring offences including speeding, drug driving, drink driving, no licence/insurance, here at Slater Heelis we have motoring law experts who can assist you.
Get In Touch
Mike Sophocleous is a Partner in our Crime and Regulatory team and has extensive experience representing clients facing serious motoring allegations, including dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving, and other complex road‑traffic offences. He regularly advises individuals involved in major collisions and guides them through every stage of the investigation and court process, helping them understand the legal implications and potential outcomes.
If you would like to speak with Mike or another member of our Crime and Regulatory team about dangerous driving, fatal collision offences, speeding matters, or any other motoring‑related investigation, please call 03301 734 354 or complete our online contact form.
