Drivers who kill while on the phone could face a lifetime jail sentence in the near future.
As it stands, the maximum sentence for deadly careless drivers is four-to-five years, compared to the 14-year one handed to drivers under the influence of drink or drugs.
"Killer drivers ruin lives," Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said. "Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses."
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He added: "While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.
"My message is clear - if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence."
In 2015, 122 people were sentenced for careless driving-related killings.
Image: PA
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Road safety campaigner for Brake, Gary Rae, expressed his gratitude at the news, saying it was "a vindication of our efforts and those of victims' families."
"For too long the justice system has treated them as second-class citizens," he added.
"We do remain concerned that the charge of 'careless' driving could remain.
"Some of the strongest feedback we have received from the families we work with is that there is nothing careless about taking someone else's life.
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"We also want clarification on whether the current automatic 50 percent discount, where convicted drivers serve only half their term in jail, will still apply for these new, proposed sentences."
Featured image credit: PA
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