Bad driver jail terms lengthened

07/10/11

By Leo Stevens

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced plans to lengthen prison sentences for motorists who drive dangerously and severely injure other people in the process.

The current maximum term for someone who causes serious injury while driving dangerously is two years, but under the new offence of "causing serious injury by dangerous driving" offenders could serve up to five years in jail.

With more than 1,850 people killed on Britain's roads last year, campaigners have welcomed the measure, adding that it would "help to provide justice to families whose lives have been ripped apart by dangerous drivers".

Mr Clarke said: "We have listened to the victims of dangerous drivers, their families, MPs, judges and road safety groups and their experiences have directly informed these changes."

Ellen Booth, senior campaigns officer of the road safety charity Brake, said: "This new offence finally means that serious injury is recognised within the title of the offence, and this recognition is vitally important to victims and their families."

While most drivers are responsible and drive with caution, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said that "the wilfully reckless minority who put lives in danger must face serious penalties".