Motorists could face tougher penalties for causing death by dangerous driving after a landmark petition has demanded action.
The petition called on the Government to ensure that anyone who causes a fatality while driving under the influence of drugs should have their licence permanently revoked and face a minimum sentence of 20 years without parole.
The petition, initiated by Kimberly-Ann Morgan, which has secured thousands of signatures, hopes to address flaws in the sentencing guidance, which currently fails to punish drivers significantly.
Ms Morgan shared: "When someone takes drugs and drives, they are making a conscious choice to put lives at risk.
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"If that choice ends a life, they should never drive again — and they should face a sentence that reflects the gravity of their actions."
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 2, dangerous driving, which can be tried either in the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court, carries a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment as well as a range of community orders, but only up to two years.
Offenders can also face a driving ban of at least one year, with a compulsory extended re-test before being able to regain their licence.
But if an offender has been disqualified two or more times within the three years before the offence, the minimum disqualification increases to two years.
The petition hopes to see harsher punishments issued to drivers who cause fatalities due to drug driving
| PA/GETTYIn contrast, the separate and more serious offence of causing death by dangerous driving can lead to a maximum of life imprisonment, a penalty increased in 2022 following pressure from road safety groups.
However, the average sentence remains around seven years, according to Ministry of Justice data.
Campaigners warned that these figures illustrate a mismatch between the potential maximum penalties, which for causing death by dangerous driving can be life imprisonment, and the sentences actually delivered.
The charity RoadPeace, which supports bereaved families, has been active in calling for tougher sentencing.
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The number of drug driving incidents has increased massively in recent years | GETTYOne bereaved family member said: "The mental health issues for the family are deep and continuous and not, in my opinion, considered by the Sentencing Council or the Judiciary."
Another voice shared: "In an environment that is designed to be intimidating, we rely on independent judges... How on earth do you expect to get consistency?"
The petition specifically demands that drivers who cause a fatality after taking drugs should receive a lifetime driving ban.
The petition will run until March 5, 2026, but if it receives 10,000 signatures, it can prompt a Government response.
If it reaches 100,000 signatures, however, it will be debated in the House of Commons.
The petition called for tougher penalties for drivers who cause road fatalities due to drug driving
| AVON AND SOMERSET POLICEAccording to Department for Transport figures, 1,602 people died on UK roads last year, while 27,865 people suffered serious, life-changing injuries.
Ross Moorlock, Chief Executive of Brake, said: "These numbers should shock and anger all of us. It is simply unacceptable that, as a society, we largely accept that people will die on our roads every day.
"Behind every statistic is a family in turmoil, trying to navigate an entirely new world, with trauma that can last a lifetime. We must see action now to stop road death and injury."