A tragic case heard at the Old Bailey reported in the Independent has raised difficult questions about driver responsibility, vehicle technology and the threshold for causing death by dangerous or inconsiderate driving. The case centres on the death of five year old Fareed Amir, who was killed when a parked electric vehicle, allegedly suddenly accelerated in a residential car park near London Bridge. The driver claims the car moved forward after the child touched an external sensor. Prosecutors say the evidence points instead to driver error.
The Defendant told the court that the vehicle jumped forward after Fareed touched a sensor at the front of the car. He described the acceleration as sudden and uncontrollable. However, a Metropolitan Police forensic collision investigator told the jury that:
- No mechanical faults were identified
- The vehicle could not be made to move without accelerator input
- The active hold parking feature would disengage if the accelerator was pressed
An expert in this tragic case concluded that the most likely explanation was that the accelerator pedal was pressed rather than the brake.
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Electric vehicles, sensors and driver responsibility
Modern electric vehicles include a range of sensors and automated features designed to assist drivers. However, these systems are not intended to cause a stationary vehicle to accelerate forward without driver input.
In cases involving allegations of causing death by dangerous or inconsiderate driving, the court will focus on:
- Whether the driving fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver
- Whether any danger was obvious to a reasonable driver
- Whether the death was caused by the manner of driving
Claims that a vehicle acted independently will be closely scrutinised against forensic evidence, data records and expert testimony.
Dangerous or inconsiderate driving and fatal consequences
This case highlights how a momentary error can have devastating consequences. In law, dangerous driving involves driving that falls far below the expected standard and creates an obvious risk of serious injury or death. Careless or inconsiderate driving involves a lower threshold but can still result in fatal outcomes and serious criminal charges.
Where a person is killed, courts will examine every aspect of the driver’s conduct with particular care, including positioning, awareness of pedestrians and control of the vehicle.
Why these cases matter beyond the criminal court
Fatal road traffic cases often give rise to parallel civil claims by bereaved families. Findings in criminal proceedings can play a significant role in establishing liability, accountability and answers for those left behind.
As vehicle technology evolves, drivers remain legally responsible for controlling their vehicles at all times. Claims that a car acted independently will not displace that duty unless supported by clear and compelling evidence.
This tragic death is a stark reminder that even in low speed environments such as car parks, vigilance and proper vehicle control are critical. When that standard is not met, the consequences can be irreversible.
Further reading please click on our internal article on child fatal accidents
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