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IAM calls for texting while driving penalty increase
Date: 30 September 2013 | Author: Tristan Young
The Institute of Advanced Motorists is calling for tougher, and more consistent, penalties for drivers who text on the move.
An IAM analysis of 11 recent prosecutions involving mobile and smartphone use revealed the average sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is four-and-a-half years despite a maximum possible sentence of 14 years.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "The maximum sentence available to the courts is 14 years, so there is still scope for an even stronger road safety message that drivers who kill whilst distracted on their phones will be caught and jailed for a long time."
The call was also highlighted by BusinessCar blogger Graham Hurdle, who added: "Drivers who admit to texting aren't thinking through how incredibly dangerous their actions are. Either that or they think it's worth the gamble not to cause an accident or get caught."
