Drivers found guilty of tailgating across Scotland could face tougher punishments
Drivers found guilty of the offence could face up to 12 years in jail.
Last updated 24th Aug 2023
Drivers across Scotland who are found guilty of causing death by tailgating could face up to 12 years in prison under new rules.
The Scottish Sentencing Council is setting out new guidelines to help judges decide an appropriate punishment when dealing with an offender.
"It will not necessarily stop those who have had a drink or taken drugs from getting behind the wheel"
Neil Greig from the charity 'IAM RoadSmart' told MFR: "People do support tougher punishments for death by dangerous driving and these changes are overdue.
"However, I would love to say that stronger penalties will stop people driving badly but I just do not think that will be the case.
"It will not necessarily stop those who have had a drink or taken drugs from getting behind the wheel."
The guideline aims to deliver greater consistency in sentencing those who plead guilty or are convicted of the offence and assist public understanding of how such cases are dealt with by the courts.
It covers four offences: causing death by dangerous driving; causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs; causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving; and causing death by driving while unlicensed, uninsured or disqualified.
"we need to actually try to stop people from committing these offences in the first place"
Neil added: "We need to see better enforcement which includes more input into roadside policing because it is all very well catching people.
"But we need to actually try to stop people from committing these offences in the first place."