Killer drivers face life behind bars after ministers confirmed plans to introduce tougher sentences for those who drive irresponsibly and devastate lives.
The Ministry of Justice, following a public consultation and resounding support from families and road safety campaigners, will:
•Introduce life sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving (up from a current maximum of 14 years), and for careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs (up from a current maximum of 14 years)
•Introduce a new offence of causing serious injury through careless driving.
Ministers said that drivers who caused death by speeding, racing, or using a mobile phone could face sentences equivalent to manslaughter, with maximum penalties raised from 14 years to life. Legislation required for the measures is expected to be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Referring to the new offence of causing serious injury through careless driving, the Ministry of Justice said it intended to give further consideration to the maximum penalty and to bring forward proposals to create the new offence when parliamentary time allowed.
On the new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: “We will introduce a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, punishable by imprisonment, to fill a gap in the law and reflect the seriousness of some of the injuries suffered by victims in this category of case.”