The universal guide for UK road users was updated this week due to a change in the law, which means that those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs now face harsher sentences.
Changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act, which went into effect on June 28, allow judges to impose harsher penalties for those who cause harm while driving.
Maximum sentences for both of these offences have been increased from 14 years to life in prison, and the mandatory disqualification period has been increased from two years to now five years.
The Highway Code has also been amended to include a new driving offence – causing serious injury by dangerous driving – as part of the changes.
This means that those who cause long-term or permanent injuries now face a prison sentence, an unlimited fine, and an automatic driving ban.
The Highway Code underwent one of its most significant changes in January of this year, when it introduced a “hierarchy of road users” to its rules and guidelines.
The changes now place a greater burden on those on the road who have the greatest potential for harm, with drivers of heavy goods vehicles, cars, and motorcycles topping the list.
Other changes include allowing cyclists to ride side by side or in the centre of a lane if it is quiet and safe, giving pedestrians the right of way when crossing a junction and giving cyclists priority at roundabouts.
