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Original poster

AIBU to think some fatal driving offences should be manslaughter?

34 replies

Whichnumbers · 27/06/2026 07:52

If a driver kills someone when they are purposely breaking the law that it should be manslaughter by car charges.

`For example using a hand held mobile to call or text, or using a digital device to watch tv whilst driving, or speeding over 20% the speed limit, drunk driving, running a red light, driving onto the pavement, then those action are deliberate and known to cause death if in a crash

presently the charge is death by dangerous driving which just doesn't seem to equate with the responsibility on the driver - they have murdered someone, knowing that their actions could kill

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichnumbers · 27/06/2026 09:51

MeetMeOnTheCorner

if you were committed of manslaughter using a shot gun it would be highly unlikely you'd ever get your gun licence again. Death by dangerous driving and its highly unlikely you'd receive a lifetime ban on driving

OP posts:
Original poster
Whichnumbers · 27/06/2026 09:46

Heyhelga · 27/06/2026 08:36

At the very least I think anyone guilty of death by dangerous driving should never be allowed to have a driving licence again.

Its extremely rare to get a lifetime ban, you can cause two separate incidents of death in a crash and not be wearing your glasses (which was the cause of the crash) - yet still not get a lifetime ban on driving

OP posts:
NeatCoralMember · 27/06/2026 09:01

They may not intend to kill, but many choose to drive in an unsafe way. (Speeding in residential areas, tailgating snd texting as three examples)

Therefore by default, they have chosen a path which leads to the worst consequences and should face murder charges.

I'm tired of poor drivers wreaking havoc everywhere. I also feel that whilst some may be physically capable of driving and passing the driving test, they are still mentally unfit to hold a licence (risk taking excessive speed). So those who accrue points for repeatedly speeding should have licences revoked.

Heyhelga · 27/06/2026 08:36

At the very least I think anyone guilty of death by dangerous driving should never be allowed to have a driving licence again.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 27/06/2026 08:35

Err? The maximum sentence is life imprisonment! In effect it is manslaughter. The issue is the person didn’t set out to kill anyone so it’s not planned and premeditated. Their actions or lack of attention caused a death, just like manslaughter. The sentencing guidelines must be adhered to but the max sentence is life and has been for 4 years.

Larrythecatforpm · 27/06/2026 08:34

I personally think it should be a murder charge and should be life. People aren’t stupid, they know if they take their eyes off the road etc it can result in an accident or death.

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 27/06/2026 08:33

Gosh that’s appalling. Unfit to stand trial, but fit to drive! How bizarre. At least the police involved are pursuing it.

Original poster
Whichnumbers · 27/06/2026 08:29

Heyhelga · 27/06/2026 07:55

I have to agree. You do see some really light sentences handed out for death by dangerous driving which must be really insulting and painful for the victim's family.

Some drivers walk free from court
https://www.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/news/23815462.driver-killed-beloved-young-man-walks-free-court/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy51e25xyr9o

A selfie photo of two blonde girls. They are both wearing lots of make up and smiling at the camera.

Jay Bayliss sentenced for Sophie Brimble crash death in Brynmawr

Jay Bayliss is unfit to face criminal proceedings but successfully reapplied for his driving licence.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy51e25xyr9o

OP posts:
Heyhelga · 27/06/2026 07:55

I have to agree. You do see some really light sentences handed out for death by dangerous driving which must be really insulting and painful for the victim's family.