The new death by careless driving offence, which came into force in September, could have more impact than the corporate manslaughter act.

“I genuinely believe it will affect you much more than corporate manslaughter,” Philip Somarakis, a partner at Blake Lapthorn, told the Fleet Van Conference.

“Drivers can now go to prison for a moment’s inattention,” he said.

He suggested aggravating factors such as not having insurance, smoking in a company vehicle or holding a mobile phone at the time of the offence could lead to an imprisonment.

“The message is that, rather like the economic climate, it’s getting tougher for drivers.”