A barrister told a judge that a convicted dangerous driver would struggle more in the community than in prison.
And, hearing of Harvey Jackson's latest efforts to stay out of trouble, the judge spared him from immediate custody.
Harvey, 32, of Montpelier, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and driving with out insurance or a licence.
The Recorder of Bristol His Honour Judge Peter Blair QC handed him a 10 months jail term, suspended for 18 months.
He told Jackson: "I expected to sentence you to 12 months in prison.
"This was a very serious offence of dangerous driving.
"But there are positive changes in your life, an inkling that you are beginning to become more responsible as a citizen."
Jackson was ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid work, was banned from driving for two years and told to take an extended driving test.
He was also told to do a thinking skills programme and rehabilitation.
David Sapiecha, prosecuting, told Bristol Crown Court it was in July last year when Jackson was driving a Hyundai Tucson and was seen chasing a BMW in Hartcliffe.
Mr Sapiecha said: "He had little or no regard for the safety of those around him."
Ultimately Harvey followed the BMW the wrong way down a narrow lane and a crash ensued, the court heard.
After the BMW collided head-on with a Peugeot, Jackson rear-ended the BMW and a Ford Fiesta rear-ended the Peugeot.
The court heard both Jackson and the BMW driver ran off and Jackson was later collected from the scene by a VW Golf, after an onlooker tried to prevent him leaving.
Police tracked Jackson down to a flat in Stockwood and he claimed he followed the BMW because it had been stolen.
Ramin Pakrooh, defending, said: "He could easily manage within the custodial environment.
"The difficulty for this defendant is managing when he's not in custody."
Mr Pakrooh said his client's offending had been slowing down.
He said his time was divided between caring for his mum as well as some success breeding Old English Bulldogs.
