Drivers who kill could face a life sentence under proposed tougher penalties outlined yesterday by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a public consultation paper it is suggested that drivers in the worst cases could be prosecuted for manslaughter instead of death by dangerous driving, which carries up to 14 years’ imprisonment,
Prosecutors frequently charge dangerous drivers with lesser charges, such as "careless driving" or "driving without due care and attention", because it can be difficult to get a conviction for death by dangerous driving. These are often easier to prove but only carry a maximum fine of £2,500.
