Drivers are being warned against distractions which can create the offence of 'causing death by careless driving' which comes into force across the UK today 18th August 2008.

If you are driving a car you are responsible for your safety and the safety of others.  It means motorists who kill whilst distracted could, for the first time, face up to 5 years in prison.  Historically, careless driving has only been punishable with a fine, regardless of the consequences.

In addition to this, those who cause death by driving while uninsured, unlicensed or disqualified can also be imprisoned for up to two years.

Recent changes to driving legislation and practices include:

• Smoking behind the wheel is a breach of the rules of the road* and could be seen as a 'distraction' and a new law on (not) smoking in company cars was introduced last year;
• Other 'distractions' from driving include: talking to passengers, using a mobile phone, both hand held and hands-free, listening to music, eating, drinking, touching technological aids, personal grooming;
• Increased penalty points - from three to six - for those failing to provide information about the identity of a driver caught speeding which follows numerous incidents where motorists have claimed others were driving in order to avoid points on their licences;
• Parents can receive a maximum fine for not ensuring that children are wearing seatbelts in the back of vehicles and this is being raised from £200 to £500;
• A minimum six-month disqualification for anyone using a vehicle in a dangerous condition for the second time in four years.
  " A maximum fine for failing to stop if requested by police increased from £1,000 to £5,000;
• New traffic calming initiatives explained in latest Highway Code: quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes and home zones;
• New advice on the stopping powers of Highway Agency Traffic Officers, such as Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) vehicles can wave drivers in on all roads in England and Wales, while the Highways Agency's Traffic Officers can also stop vehicles for safety reasons on the motorway. Not pulling over is an offence;
• New advice to wear high-visibility or reflective clothing in the event of a breakdown; *
• Merging in turn rule from the latest Highway Code - "In congested road conditions do not change lanes unnecessarily. Merging in turn is recommended but only if safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, e.g. when approaching road works or a road traffic incident. It is not recommended at high speed";
• New safety code for novice drivers, which includes 'don't show off or compete with other drivers'.

* Rules of the road refer to the 'Highway Code' you can view an on line version here Highway Code