Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced plans to increase the maximum jail sentence given to dangerous drivers who cause a victim severe personal injury in an accident.
This would mean that the stress and life-changing injuries suffered by road traffic accident casualties and their families are given more recognition, and that potential offenders may be discouraged by a longer sentence as well as potentially having greater difficulty finding a car insurance quote following their release.
Currently, the maximum sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving on UK roads is two years in prison, although causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum of 14 years in jail for offenders. This is the case for young drivers car insurance holders of 18 years and older and experienced road users, although 17-year-old motorists may receive different minimum and maximum sentences.
However, when the change in sentencing for causing severe personal injury by dangerous driving comes into effect, motorists of 18 years and older who severely harm someone by driving in a reckless and unsafe manner will face a maximum sentence of five years.
Mr Clarke stated, "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 road safety."
The hope is that offenders who cause injury on the roads will receive a sentence more fitting to their crime. Potentially, this will cause motorists to drive in a safer manner and lead to better car insurance quotes being available. Plus, more importantly, it may also mean that fewer life-changing or fatal accidents are suffered by victims every year.