Drivers who cause death by careless driving will be jailed for life as new crackdown is set to be announced
In a victory for victims’ families and road safety groups, those who cause death by speeding, drink or drug-driving or using a mobile phone at the wheel will face the maximum term.
KILLER drivers will be jailed for life in a victory for victims’ families and road safety groups.
A new crackdown is to be announced today.
Those who cause death by speeding, drink or drug-driving or using a mobile phone at the wheel face the maximum term.
Courts will also get power to jail those who cause serious injury by careless driving.
Ministers will strengthen the law after plans for tougher sentences won resounding support from families whose lives have been wrecked by killer drivers.
They will raise the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving from 14 years to life — putting the offence on the same footing as manslaughter.
About a third of motorists who kill or maim behind the wheel avoid prison. Last year, 157 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving.
A further 32 were convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence.
An urgent review is to consider whether a law equivalent to causing death by careless or dangerous driving should be introduced for cyclists.
Justice Minister Dominic Raab said: “We received 9,000 submissions to our consultation.
“Based on the worst cases and the anguish of victims’ families, we intend to introduce life sentences for those who wreck lives by driving dangerously, drunk or high on drugs.”
