How to Report a Dangerous Driving in Australia?

Dangerous driving is a serious problem in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, approximately 80% of P-platers and 55% of trainee drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 reported doing dangerous driving at least once in their last ten journeys. To control the increasing cases of dangerous driving, it is important to report it immediately.

In this blog, I will explain dangerous driving in Australia and describe ways to report it easily in different territories and states. Before reporting a case of dangerous driving, it is better to collect as much evidence as possible to make your report solid and factual.

What is Dangerous Driving in Australia?

According to the CRIMES ACT 1900 – SECT 52A, Dangerous driving: substantive matters.

“(1) Dangerous driving occasioning death: A person is guilty of the offence of dangerous driving occasioning death if the vehicle driven by the person is involved in an impact occasioning the death of another person and the driver was, at the time of the impact, driving the vehicle–

(a) under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a drug, or

(b) at a speed dangerous to another person or persons, or

(c) in a manner dangerous to another person or persons.

A person convicted of an offence under this subsection is liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

(2) Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death: A person is guilty of the offence of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death if the person commits the offence of dangerous driving occasioning death in circumstances of aggravation. A person convicted of an offence under this subsection is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.

(3) Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm: A person is guilty of the offence of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm if the vehicle driven by the person is involved in an impact occasioning grievous bodily harm to another person and the driver was, at the time of the impact, driving the vehicle–

(a) under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a drug, or

(b) at a speed dangerous to another person or persons, or

(c) in a manner dangerous to another person or persons.

A person convicted of an offence under this subsection is liable to imprisonment for 7 years.

(4) Aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm: A person is guilty of the offence of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm if the person commits the offence of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm in circumstances of aggravation. A person convicted of an offence under this subsection is liable  to imprisonment for 11 years.”

How to Report Dangerous Driving in Australia?

Reporting dangerous driving is easy if you follow the process. Here are the explained steps for reporting dangerous driving in different territories and states of Australia.

How do I report dangerous driving in Victoria?

Victorian police and the leading crime stoppers have decided to launch a campaign against dangerous driving. Halfway through 2023, the number of fatalities on Victorian roads has increased by about 30% yearly. 

The right way to report a dangerous driving case is to submit an online report through a crime stopper or Victorian police portal. Another way is to report such incidents through direct calls on 1800 333 000. Moreover, it can also be done through the police assistance line by calling the number assigned for non-urgent crimes and events.

How do I report dangerous driving in New South Wales?

The process of reporting a dangerous driving case is almost similar in NSW. You can call 131 444 for police assistance if you witness dangerous driving. It can also be done by visiting nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. There are four D’s that you should look for while driving: Drink, Drug, Distracted, or Dangerous driving. If you witness dangerous driving that is life-threatening for you or others, you can call 000 for immediate assistance.

How do I report dangerous driving in Queensland?

There are multiple ways in Queensland to report a dangerous driving incident. First, if you feel a life-threatening situation, you should call Triple Zero 000 to report the incident. According to Queensland Police, several offences are included in dangerous driving, such as hooning fishtail, drifting, burnouts, revving engines, screeching tires, reckless driving, endangering others, street racing, blatant disregard of road rules, and dangerous weaving in and out of traffic. All the mentioned offences can be reported to Queensland Police by calling 13 46 66 

How do I report dangerous driving in South Australia?

In South Australia, dangerous driving must be reported, such as running red lights, burnouts, speeding, and tailgating. A mobile phone app, SAPOL, is launched to report dangerous driving in South Australia. It can also be done through an online form to launch your complaint.   

Dangerous driving can also be reported by visiting the police station or calling 131 444. It is important that you note down the time, location, and date of the incident. You must also include details such as the make and model of the vehicle, registration number, and specific behaviour considered dangerous driving. Police might add your contact information to the report if you are a witness for further inquiry.

How do I report dangerous driving in Western Australia?

Reporting of dangerous driving is highly endorsed in Western Australia to lower the number of road fatalities in Australia. You can report a dangerous driving case through an online form in Western Australia. To report the incident properly, you have to mention the following things in the report.

• Description of the behaviour.
• Description of the driver. 
• Date and time of the behaviour.
• Location and weather conditions.
• Vehicle details such as make, model, and colour.

It would be best if you took a video of the incident, but you must not put yourself at risk while gathering the footage.

How do I report dangerous driving in Tasmania?

If you witness dangerous driving in Tasmania, take video or photo evidence of the incident. If you are unable to do so immediately, call 131 444 to report the incident. Moreover, if you find the driving behaviour life-threatening, call triple zero 000 to report the emergency.

If you want to report an incident that has happened in the past, it is essential to provide video evidence. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving and help the Tasmania Police control road accidents.

What Evidence Do You Need To Report Dangerous Driving?

Reporting dangerous driving is important to ensure the road safety of yourself and others. You must collect some evidence while reporting dangerous driving. Here is a list of evidence you might present while reporting these incidents. 

• The vehicle registration number.
• The make, model, and colour of the vehicle.
• The time and location of the incident.
• Any other information could identify the driver or vehicle, such as a company name and logo on the car or van.

Moreover, another valuable piece of evidence is the dashcam footage that captured the incident. Before reporting the incident, you have to be sure of your safety. It is best to check with local authorities to report the incident correctly. Reporting dangerous driving will make roads safe and secure for everyone.

Closing Insights

Road safety is the responsibility of the government and the citizens of a country. The government makes road safety rules for the security of citizens, but these rules will be purposeful only when the citizens implement them. Making our roads secure is a mutual effort; we must participate equally. If you find anyone violating the rules, you can report them. You can follow the process explained in this blog to report the offence.

If you are a victim of dangerous driving or wrongfully accused of it, you must seek professional help. Traffic offence lawyers at Aussie Legal Partners will present you in the court, preserve your rights, and collect solid evidence to keep you safe. Our skilled traffic offence lawyers have a record of successfully handling cases and getting results that are in your best interest.

Book a free first consultation today for a one-on-one meeting with professional lawyers.