THE law on dangerous driving is certainly in need of reform, as argued in The Press (October 12), but this should start by re-examining the offence of “causing death by dangerous driving”.

The purpose of this offence is revenge for the taking of life and appeasement of bereaved relatives.

This is perfectly understandable, but it makes for bad law.

Deaths caused by dangerous driving are almost always the accidental, often freakish consequence of the actual offence, which is dangerous driving, not intended killing.

The correct course is to treat all cases of dangerous driving equally, whether or not they chance to result in death.

Dangerous driving should itself become a more serious offence, with higher penalties.

Governments fearful of increasing prison populations might reflect that the most hurtful punishment is often the loss of the driving licence.

Passing the test does not confer a human right to drive. It gives licensed permission to use a lethal weapon responsibly.

Dangerous driving should result in loss of the licence for much longer periods (whether or not livelihoods depend on it) and in the worst cases a lifelong ban.

Peter Hollindale, Grange Garth, York