MoJ announces new dangerous driving offence

Date: 10/10/2011

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has introduced a new driving offence.

Under the legislation, anyone found guilty of causing serious injury to another person as a result of dangerous behaviour while behind the wheel could face up to five years in prison.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke made the announcement on Friday (October 7th), noting that this will more than double the current maximum sentence for such a crime, which stands at two years in jail.

He added that road safety groups, MPs, judges and victims of dangerous driving had been consulted in coming up with the punishment.

Last year, an average of five people died on UK roads every day, according to Mr Clarke.

Commenting on the news, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents welcomed the extended term.

Head of Road Safety at the Society Kevin Clinton added: "We also believe that the offences of causing death by careless driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs should include causing serious injury."

Posted by Sarah Bailey