News
Causing death by careless driving
Under new Road
Safety Act laws, which came into force on 28th August 2008, drivers
who kill whilst distracted by carrying out an avoidable activity whilst driving,
could face up to five years in prison. Previously the maximum sentence was a
fine and penalty points. Avoidable activities include; calling or texting from
a mobile phone, eating and drinking, or putting on make-up.
Drivers may blame their
employer for making them work excessive hours and not allowing them adequate
time for meal breaks, or pressurising them to make business calls whilst
driving. Therefore it is important that companies have a clear “Driving for
Work Policy” which clearly states that all activities unrelated to safe driving
practices are prohibited.
Road deaths remain unchanged
Newly released
figures from the DfT suggest that one in twelve accidents involved someone
driving whilst on company business, although this figure could be much higher.
Currently 77% of vehicles
involved in an accident which resulted in police involvement have had the
reason for their journey recorded as “other” or “not classified”
30,567 cars were involved in
at-work crashes
24,609 crashed whilst
commuting to and from work
8,670 goods vehicles were
involved in crashes of which 51% were LCV
Further information can be found at