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Drivers who cause death could face life sentences

Killer drivers could face a lifetime jail sentence under new proposals put forward by the Government.

Currently the maximum prison sentence the court can impose for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is 14 years.

The average custodial sentence handed down in 2015 for causing death by careless or dangerous driving, however, was just under four years.

For causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving the maximum is five years; and for causing death by driving whilst unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured it is two years.

Other suggestions in the consultation, which lasts until February, include creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, with a maximum sentence of three years in jail and also increasing minimum driving bans for those convicted of causing death through their driving.

:: September - Man admits killing child actor in Penge police chase, but denies manslaughter

Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: "Killer drivers ruin lives.

"Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses.

"While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

"My message is clear - if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence."

:: 2013 - Texting Driver Susan Noble Jailed Over Death

Last year there were 122 people sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving and a further 21 were convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

:: October - A34 crash lorry driver jailed for killing family while on phone

Gary Rae, campaigns director for road safety charity Brake, said the proposals were "a vindication of our efforts and those of victims' families".

He said: "For too long the justice system has treated them as second-class citizens.

"We do remain concerned that the charge of 'careless' driving could remain.

:: 2015 - Driver racing at 100mph jailed for deadly crash

"Some of the strongest feedback we have received from the families we work with is that there is nothing careless about taking someone else's life.

"We also want clarification on whether the current automatic 50% discount, where convicted drivers serve only half their term in jail, will still apply for these new, proposed sentences."

The Department of Transport has already announced that the punishment for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will be increased - with a fine rising from £100 to £200 and the penalty points rising from three to six.