Killer drivers to face life sentences

Dangerous drivers who kill are set to face life sentences, under plans put forward by ministers.

Dangerous drivers who cause death by reckless driving, speeding, street racing or distracted by using a mobile phone could now be treated in a similar way to those charged with manslaughter.

This also applies to people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Ministry of Justice wants your views on whether the current maximum penalties should be increased. Give your views by 1 February 2017.

Other proposals include:

• creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving with a maximum sentence of 3 years

• increasing minimum driving bans of those convicted of causing death

In 2015, 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving with a further 21 convicted of causing death while under the influence. While the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, deaths and injuries still cause devastation to victims and their families.