Motorists may face lifetime driving bans for breaching rules (Image: Getty)
Drivers who use a behind the wheel and cause death or life-changing injuries should never be allowed back on the road again,according to a leading campaigner.
Howard Jones, chief executive of safety charity , raised his concerns after a series of incidents.
He questioned why motorists who cause death or injury due to should be allowed the freedom to drive again.
He stressed courts “have the power to impose lifetime bans” but questioned why severe punishments were “virtually unheard of”.
It means motorists are getting back behind the wheel shortly after being the cause of serious accidents which have often changed lives.
Using mobile phones behind the wheel could backfire with severe penalties (Image: Getty)
Back in 2023, while driving contributed to 25 of the 1,441 fatal collisions in the UK.
Mr Jones stressed that RoadPeace was looking for “urgent reform” in the sentencing of dangerous driving cases with tougher penalties back on the table.
He explained: “Research shows that a driver using a handheld or hands-free phone is four times more likely to be involved in a collision than an un-distracted driver.
“The lenient sentences handed down to those who choose to ignore these dangers fail to reflect the true severity of their crimes.
“Courts have the power to impose lifetime driving bans, yet such sentences are virtually unheard of.
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“Why should someone who has caused death or life-altering injuries through their reckless actions ever be allowed to drive again?”
Mobile phone driving making it against the rules to use a phone for any purpose while in control of a vehicle.
Under previous rules, it was only illegal to make or receive calls or send and read text messages while behind the wheel.
However, it is now illegal to use a handheld device under any circumstances including taking photos, checking notifications or accessing the internet.
Fines were also strengthened with motorists now hit with a £200 fine and up to six penalty points if they are caught using a phone.
explained: “You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.
“You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.
“You can get 3 penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.
“You can also be taken to court where you can be banned from driving or riding, get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).”