Drivers who kill could receive life sentences from tomorrow

Drivers who kill could face life sentences under new legislation coming into effect on Tuesday (28 June).

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act will enable judges to hand down life sentences to drivers who cause death by dangerous driving, or by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs

The current penalty for each offence is a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.

The Government says it wants to ensure “punishments reflect the severity of crimes and the misery killer drivers leave in their wake”.

As reported by BBC News, Dominic Raab, Justice Secretary, said: “Too many lives have been lost to reckless behaviour behind the wheel, devastating families.”

The proposed law change was first announced in 2017. It will also create an offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, meaning those who inflict long-term or permanent injuries also face tougher sentences.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing for Essex Police, said: “All of the above is most welcome, and sends a really strong message to all road users that actions or decisions relating to the highest level of harm or risks on the roads, will now attract penalties which better reflect the seriousness of each offence.”

The legislation applies to offences in England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland, which has separate road safety laws.

27 June 2022