causing death by dangerous driving
The offence committed by someone guilty of dangerous driving that results in the death of another person. It is defined by the Road Traffic Act 1988 s 1 (as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991) and replaces the former offence of causing death by reckless driving (defined in the Road Traffic Act 1988). If the danger is such that there is an obvious and serious risk of injury to another person or significant damage to property—and the driver either recognizes the risk or fails to give any thought to the possibility that such a risk exists—this will constitute reckless manslaughter in addition to causing death by dangerous driving. The maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving is fourteen years’ imprisonment and compulsory disqualification for not less than two years. |