Petition · past parliament

Expand driving penalties to include the charge vehicular manslaughter

Closed 269 signatures

What the petition asks

I think that the increase in dangerous, reckless and careless driving needs to be properly addressed. In the wrong hands a car is as lethal as a loaded gun. Death should be charged as vehicular manslaughter and life changing injuries as attempted vehicular manslaughter.
Although courts now have to power to sentence those who cause death by dangerous driving to 14 years to life, this penalty is rarely, if ever used. I feel that if the charge included the term manslaughter, not only would the perception of motorists change, but judges would be more inclined to sentence those who have caused death or life changing injuries, whilst driving at excessive speed, whilst using a mobile device, under the influence of drink/drugs to an appropriate custodial sentence.

Timeline

17 Aug 2018 Petition opened for signatures
17 Feb 2019 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 269
Status Closed
Opened 17 Aug 2018
Closed 17 Feb 2019

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.