Under tough new laws to be introduced by the Queensland Government, people who drive dangerously, evade police, and then become involved in a crash that causes death or grievous bodily harm will face up to 20 years in prison.
The Government says the new penalty targets those who show reckless disregard for the directions of police and the welfare of other people in the community.
The new circumstance of aggravation, and the new 20 year penalty are part of a package of reforms targeting people who drive dangerously.
The maximum penalty for someone who drives dangerously and leaves a crash scene after causing death or grievous bodily harm will be increased from 14 years to 20 years.
In addition, the maximum penalty for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm will increase from 10 to 14 years.
“Any loss of live on our roads is unacceptable, especially when at the hands of a reckless driver,” said Premier, Steven Miles.
“These reforms make it crystal clear that those who endanger lives on the road, and then go on to evade police, that they will not get off lightly.
“We will introduce these laws into the parliament this week, as part of our comprehensive community safety plan, to ensure Queenslanders are safe and feel safe on the road.”
This new circumstance of aggravation will also apply to youth offenders who drive dangerously, evade police and cause death or grievous bodily harm.
These tough new measures come as the government prepares to release a comprehensive community safety plan, to ensure Queenslanders are safe and feel safe.
“All too often, police see motorists who recklessly use vehicles as high-speed weapons, disregarding the potential for catastrophic consequences,” said Acting Deputy Queensland Police Commissioner Chris Stream.
“Tragically, we also see the trauma on our roads as a result of dangerous driving.
“We support this legislation change which also focuses on frontline officer safety which is of paramount importance for the Queensland Police Service.”
