Drivers who cause death through dangerous or careless driving could receive prison life sentences under new government proposals.
At present, 14 years is the maximum sentence which can be given for causing death via dangerous or careless driving.
People who receive this penalty are usually released after seven years if not sooner. Last year 122 people were convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and 21 were convicted for death via careless driving. The average sentence for drivers who killed was 45.6 months, but ministers now want to bring the offence in line with manslaughter.
Motorists which cause death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone are among those targeted under the new proposals.
A Ministry of Justice consultation will seek views on whether the current maximum penalty available to the courts should be expanded.
The justice minister Sam Gyimah said: “Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses. While [it is] impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.
“My message is clear: if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”
Road safety campaigners react
Road safety campaign groups in Britain have reacted positively to the news of this proposal, although some suggest measures should go even further.
For example, the campaigns director for Brake, Garry Rae, said: “We do remain concerned that the charge of ‘careless’ driving could remain. Some of the strongest feedback we have received from the families we work with, is that there is nothing careless about taking someone else’s life.
“We also want clarification on whether the current automatic 50% discount, where convicted drivers serve only half their term in jail, will still apply for these new, proposed sentences.”
