As per a new offence introduced by the Road Safety Act 2006 in England, Motorist who read or write text messages while driving could face jail sentences up to seven years if they cause death while messaging.
Judges and magistrates in England and Wales will impose the new tougher penalties as per guidelines issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC), which is chaired by the Lord Chief Justice.
The guidelines states that reading or composing text messages over a period of time while at the wheels will be likely to result in an offence being in the ‘highest level of seriousness’ and offenders should serve up to seven years in prison.
The SGC said it was sending out a ‘clear message’ that driving offences that result in death are serious offences and should receive appropriate sentences. The new guidelines would come into effect on and from 4th August’08.