Causing death by dangerous driving (section 1)
Sentence outcomes
In 2020, as in previous years, the majority of adult offenders sentenced for causing
death by dangerous driving were sentenced to immediate custody (93 per cent). A
further 6 per cent were given a suspended sentence, and 1 per cent were given a
community sentence.
Sentence lengths
The statutory maximum for this offence has recently increased to life imprisonment
under the Police, Crime and Sentencing Act 2022. However, in 2020, the statutory maximum was 14 years’ custody.
The average (mean) custodial sentence length (ACSL) for causing death by dangerous driving in
2020 was 4 years 7 months. Of those sentenced to immediate custody, 41 per cent received a
custodial sentence post guilty plea of 2 to 4 years, and just over a quarter (27 per cent) received 4 to
6 years.
Recent data
In 2023 the ACSL was 82.5 months (6 years and 10.5 months)
In 2024, the ACSL was 95.3 months (7 years and 11.3 months)
In 2025, the ACSL was 99.5 months (8 years and 3.5 months)
Causing death by careless driving (section 2B)
Sentence outcomes
The most common outcome for offenders sentenced for causing death by careless or
inconsiderate driving in 2020 was a suspended sentence (39 per cent), closely
followed by immediate custody (31 per cent). A quarter (25 per cent) of offenders
were given a community sentence, 4 per cent received a fine and 1 per cent were
‘Otherwise dealt with’
Sentence lengths
The statutory maximum for this offence is 5 years’ custody. The ACSL in 2020 for
causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving was 12 months. Of those
sentenced to immediate custody, nearly three quarters (73 per cent) received a
sentence of up to and including 1 year, and just under a fifth (19 per cent) received 1
to 2 years.
Recent data
In 2023 the ACSL was 14.5 months.
In 2024, the ACSL was 17.7 months
In 2025, the ACSL was 18.2 months (1 year and 6.2 months)
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving (section 1A)
Sentence outcomes
Just over two thirds (67 per cent) of adults sentenced for causing serious injury by
dangerous driving in 2020 received immediate custody. A little over a quarter (26 per
cent) received a suspended sentence, 5 per cent received a fine and 1 per cent
received a community sentence. A further 1 per cent were ‘Otherwise dealt with’
Sentence lengths
The statutory maximum sentence for this offence is 5 years’ custody. The ACSL in
2020 was 2 years 2 months.
Recent data
In 2023 the ACSL was 29.3 months.
In 2024, the ACSL was 30.4 months
In 2025, the ACSL was 31.7 months (2 years and 7.7 months)
Dangerous Driving (section 2)
Sentence outcomes
Nearly half (49 per cent) of offenders sentenced in 2020 for dangerous driving
received immediate custody, and nearly a third (32 per cent) received a suspended
sentence. A further 15 per cent received a community sentence, and 3 per cent
received a fine. The remaining offenders received an absolute or conditional
discharge or were ‘Otherwise dealt with’
Sentence lengths
The statutory maximum sentence for this offence is 2 years’ custody. The ACSL in
2020 for offenders sentenced for dangerous driving was 10.1 months. In 2020, three
quarters (75 per cent) of offenders sentenced to immediate custody received a
sentence of up to and including 12 months.
Recent data
In 2023 the ACSL was 10.6 months.
In 2024, the ACSL was 11.4 months.
In 2025, the ACSL was 11.1 months.