Major increases in penalties for dangerous driving could see guilty motorists jailed for up to 20 years.
In an instance where a driver has evaded police while driving dangerously, then been involved in an accident that causes death or grievous bodily harm, new Queensland laws allow for a prison term of up to 20 years.
Premier Steve Miles said the new circumstance of aggravation and the new penalty were 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.
Premier Miles said the new circumstance of aggravation would also apply to youth offenders who drove dangerously, evaded police and caused death or grievous bodily harm.
The laws come in the wake of advocacy by Claudine Snow, who lost her mum and sister in a traffic accident where the other driver was fleeing police on the Gold Coast in December, 2022.
“To lose loved ones unexpectedly is simply devastating. I decided I would try to do something to stop this happening to other people.” Ms Snow said.
“To see something good come from something so terrible provides some comfort. If one person thinks twice about dangerous driving my efforts are worth it.”
