UK Government Considering Life Sentences For Dangerous Drivers Who Kill

Reckless drivers and motorists who cause death while speeding, street racing, while on mobile phones or under influence of alcohol or drugs could now face longer prison sentences in the UK. Apparently, the UK government is considering increasing the maximum sentence for such crimes to life imprisonment, bringing it in line with manslaughter. The crime of causing death by dangerous driving currently carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and many offenders only serve half their sentence.

While the road safety charity 'Brake' welcomes the plans, it is worried that the lesser charge of "careless" driving could remain. In fact, in 2015 the average sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, and the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving, was less than four years. A consultation process will conclude in February, after which the process of making the change law can begin.

Gary Rae of the road safety charity Brake said, "This is a vindication of our efforts and those of victims' families. For too long, the justice system has treated them as second class citizens. 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."

Sharing his views on the matter, 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."

On the other hand, Stephen Oldham, an attorney of the law who specialises in representing motorists accused of such offences, said there should be different levels of culpability to fit different types of driving behaviour. He said, "Life sentences were generally reserved for people who have gone out of their way to commit these serious offences and have displayed intentional recklessness to kill or to cause serious injury. That's often the element that's missing with the driving case."

Source: BBC