DANGEROUS drivers who kill could face life sentences for their crimes if a Government consultation becomes law.

Last year 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving, with a further 21 convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence, according to the Ministry of Justice.

While we applaud Government moves to make the punishment fit the crime, there is disturbing evidence to suggest the courts are not using the full range of punishment already at their disposal.

The most serious road offences can attract a maximum sentence of 14 years – but the average custodial sentence for causing death by careless or dangerous driving was a mere 45.8 months in 2015.

Yet, as Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said yesterday, the actions of killer drivers cause immeasurable pain to the families of victims.

We believe there is nothing careless about taking someone’s life.

The Government has already announced plans to crackdown on motorists caught texting, checking messages or using smartphones while driving.

Only last month a lorry driver was sentenced to six years in prison for killing two men when he ploughed into them just seconds after sending a message to his girlfriend.

Police found that he had also been streaming YouTube videos and chatting on the phone.

The Department of Transport has increased the punishment for driving using a phone from three to six points and a £200 fine – but we say that is not enough.

Smartphone use has reached epidemic proportions on our roads and only a Draconian crackdown will change motorists’ habits.

Be in no doubt: a two tonne car becomes a deadly weapon in the wrong hands. Our bad habits behind the wheel must be stamped out.