Death by dangerous driving cases in sharp rise

Campaigners are calling for tougher sentences for death crash drivers after cases soared by nearly 40% in just one year.

Damning new statistics have revealed police recorded a surge in cases of causing death by dangerous driving, from 164 in the year to September 2012, up to 226 in 2013.

The revelations come after MPs from all parties united in a Westminster debate to call for tougher sentences for people causing carnage on the roads.

Labour’s shadow justice minister Dan Jarvis, who uncovered the figures, said: “I was very concerned to note the significant increase in the number of deaths caused by dangerous driving in the latest annual police recorded crime statistics.

“The rise in fatalities, which are up almost 40% in one year, will be a source of alarm to many.

“I will raise this issue with the Government to insist that the matter be urgently addressed.”

David Bizley technical director of the RAC, said: “This is very alarming. It is hard to comprehend why such a sudden and dramatic increase like this has occurred.

“Research from the RAC Report on Motoring 2013 showed that 21% of motorists admitted to holding a mobile phone while either driving or stationary at the lights and this number has been increasing year-on-year.

“It would be particularly concerning if this sharp rise turned out to be connected to the use of handheld mobile phones at the wheel.”

Causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum 14-year sentence.

But the lesser charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving carries a maximum term of five years and these cases showed a 14% decrease from 161 to 138.

However, road safety charity Brake is lobbying the Government for the careless driving charge to be scrapped, claiming it lets killers off with a slap on the wrist.

Ellen Booth, the charity’s senior campaigns manager, said: “The main reason so many people feel let down by the justice system is because of the level of sentencing available.

“Currently there is a distinction between dangerous and careless driving. The difference is slight but the maximum sentences are very different.

“Speeding and sometimes using mobiles are considered careless but clearly they are not simply careless.”

Responding to calls for sentence reform Justice Minister Jeremy Wright, said: “Dangerous driving can have devastating consequences and I want to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our roads safe.

“We provide the courts with tough sentencing options and causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum penalty of 14 years, in addition we have asked the Sentencing Council to review sentencing guidelines for dangerous driving offences.

“Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent courts.

“We are keeping the law in this area under review.”