The government will be reviewing whether the offence of death by careless or dangerous driving should be introduced for cyclists after recent road incidents. Currently dangerous driving laws only apply to drivers in motorised vehicles.
As there are no charges that apply specifically to cyclists who cause death or injury, prosecutors have had to rely on a law from 1861 that was designed to cover offences by drivers of horse-drawn carriages.
This was the case for Charlie Alliston who was this month sentenced to 18 months for causing the death of pedestrian Kim Briggs. The collision incident occurred because Charlie was riding a bike without front brakes.
Some people are worried that the government review sends out the wrong message; that the government have given court cases and the law a higher priority than actually trying to make the roads safer for all users. However, a minister has said that the reviews will help to safeguard both cyclists and the people who share the roads with them.
Two phases to the review
The government have proposed two phases to the review. The first phase will analyse the case for creating a new offence equivalent to causing death or serious injury by careless or dangerous driving.
The second phase will be a consultation on road safety issues between different road safety and cycling organisations as well as with the public. This could well introduce new and tougher laws to cycling on the roads in Britain.
Claiming for a cycling accident
Cycling accidents are happening more frequently now as more people have turned riding their bikes as an alternative and cleaner means of transport. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, then do not hesitate to contact Scott Rees & Co solicitors to help you with your claim.
We have one of the biggest road traffic accident departments and cycling accident claims will always be directed to our cycling accident specialists to maximise the compensation potential of your claim.
Image reference
1. Pexels; https://www.pexels.com/photo/action-activity-adults-bicycles-172484/