Careless or dangerous drivers will face a number of new consequences
Drivers who kill people could receive life sentences as part of new rules coming into effect this week.
Judges will be able to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill or careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Currently, the law allows a maximum penalty of 14 years, but from Tuesday, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act will allow the penalty to be life. The government said it wants to ensure “punishments reflect the severity of crimes and the misery killer drivers leave in their wake”.
The new law, which was first proposed in 2017, will apply to offences in England, Scotland and Wales, but not Northern Ireland, as it has its own road safety laws.
Drivers will still be charged with murder or manslaughter where there is evidence that a vehicle was used as a weapon to kill or commit grievous bodily harm, the government has confirmed.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Too many lives have been lost to reckless behaviour behind the wheel, devastating families. We have changed the law so that those responsible will now face the possibility of life behind bars.”
A new offence will also be created – causing serious injury by careless driving. This is aimed at drivers who inflict long-term or permanent injury on others.
New rules will also aid people with hearing loss who are part of a jury. Currently, only the 12 jurors are allowed to go into a deliberation room, but the rule will change to allow a sign language interpreters to provide support for people with hearing loss during jury deliberations.
Mr Raab added: “The right to be judged by your peers dates back to Magna Carta, and is a cornerstone of our justice system. We’re changing the law so that many more deaf people have the opportunity to carry out this important civic duty.”
Related stories:
- Driving with a dog in your car could land you with a £5,000 fine
- Driver who downed 28 drinks after bottomless brunch binge jailed after hitting pedestrian
- Father whose three children were killed in drunk driving crash dies by suicide
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