As an injured cyclist my experience has been documented to demonstrate how the legal system fails to deter bad driving.
Every year 1000s of VRUs (Vulnerable Road Users) ie pedestrians, cyclist and motor cyclists are injured or killed on UK roads. I am one of 3 UK injured cyclists campaigning for Justice Reform with CTC the National Cycling Charity to improve the way the legal system handles VRUs to improve road safety and ensure justice.
- RTCs with VRUs are often not thoroughly investigated by police/coroners, leading the CPS to throw out charges due to lack of evidence/coroner verdicts
- Drivers at fault are often given the choice of a driver awareness course or accepting a charge
- Charges of ‘careless’ rather than ‘dangerous’ driving are favoured by the CPS, leaving courts limited to issuing lenient sentences. Failing to; deter bad driving, enforce re-testing or raise driving standards
- VRUs are more often than not assumed to be the guilty party until proven otherwise
- There is no guidance or victim support for VRUs following an often life changing RTC
By improving the legal system for VRUs bad drivers will be prosecuted with appropriate punishment. The fear of prosecution and a long-term driving ban/damaging fine will motivate drivers to exercise greater caution.
Find out more and support Road Justice here;
www.roadjustice.org.uk
View my story here;
http://www.roadjustice.org.uk/node/465
