Post by starlight07 on Oct 7, 2011 17:20:16 GMT -5
Dangerous drivers face longer sentence
link - news.uk.msn.com/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=159423126
Good news?
Under new plans, dangerous drivers who cause serious injuries on the road could be jailed for up to five years.
The current maximum sentence of two years for dangerous drivers whose victims are seriously injured but not killed would be more than doubled.
Campaigners welcomed the proposals saying that with 1,850 deaths on the roads in Britain last year, the move would "help to provide justice to families whose lives have been ripped apart by dangerous drivers".
Justice Secretary Kenneth 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.
"Making our roads safer is a priority - five people died on our roads each day last year, so we need to do everything we can to further improve safety."
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning added that while the vast majority of motorists were safe and responsible, "the wilfully reckless minority who put lives in danger must face serious penalties".
Senior campaigns officer of the road safety charity Brake, Ellen Booth, welcomed the plans.
She 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.
"It also means that dangerous drivers who inflict serious injuries can expect to see higher sentences to better reflect the terrible trauma and injuries they have caused."
Currently under 6,000 drivers are charged every year with dangerous driving, however, it is not yet known how many of those charged caused serious injuries to their victims.
The current maximum sentence of two years for dangerous drivers whose victims are seriously injured but not killed would be more than doubled.
Campaigners welcomed the proposals saying that with 1,850 deaths on the roads in Britain last year, the move would "help to provide justice to families whose lives have been ripped apart by dangerous drivers".
Justice Secretary Kenneth 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.
"Making our roads safer is a priority - five people died on our roads each day last year, so we need to do everything we can to further improve safety."
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning added that while the vast majority of motorists were safe and responsible, "the wilfully reckless minority who put lives in danger must face serious penalties".
Senior campaigns officer of the road safety charity Brake, Ellen Booth, welcomed the plans.
She 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.
"It also means that dangerous drivers who inflict serious injuries can expect to see higher sentences to better reflect the terrible trauma and injuries they have caused."
Currently under 6,000 drivers are charged every year with dangerous driving, however, it is not yet known how many of those charged caused serious injuries to their victims.
link - news.uk.msn.com/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=159423126
Good news?
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Crap, the Name Escapes Me 
