New road traffic laws came into force
in August creating new offences relating to careless driving. For
the first time, motorists who kill while avoidably distracted
at the wheel will face imprisonment.
Avoidable distractions include:
- mobile phone use (calling or texting)
- eating or drinking
- application of make up
- anything that distracts attention from the road that is deemed
by the court as being avoidable
As part of the commitment to improve road safety, the government
has created the offences, which will allow sentences of up to
five years in prison for drivers not paying due attention to
the road and to other road users.
The previous maximum penalty for causing death by carelessness
was a maximum £5000 fine and penalty licence points. This
was also the penalty for causing death by driving whilst unlicensed,
disqualified or uninsured. The new legislation punishes
these offences with a two year custodial sentence.
To find out more about how we can help you, please contact Carvill & Johnson in Northfield, Birmingham. |
