Proposal for tough new penalties for drivers who endanger kids

Motorists found guilty of particular driving offences could face prison terms and massive fines, under a new plan.

Drivers who endanger the lives on children in their car could face tough new penalties under legislation set to be introduced in an Australian state this week.

South Australia’s government said it would give “due consideration” to the reforms put forward after two incidents an outspoken politician described as “alarming”.

Independent MLC Frank Pangallo has proposed legislation that would see prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to $5000 for motorists found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are present.

This incident in Adelaide on October 8 has been raised as an example. Picture: 9 News

“Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and drive like a moron while there are kids in the car,” Mr Pangallo told the Advertiser.

“Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle.

“I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.”

One example Mr Pangallo points to was a horror smash on Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North on October 8, where an eight-year-old child was lucky to survive.

An allegedly drunk driver lost control of a blue Toyota and smashed into a treat before the vehicle flipped onto its roof in the middle of the street.

Witnesses rushed to help the occupants. Picture: 9 News

Dramatic footage obtained by 9 News showed witnesses rushing to help, with one seen pulling a small child out of the car.

SA Police said the driver, a 40-year-old man, allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test.

“I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,” Mr Pangallo said of the crash.

“I hope they throw the book at that driver.”

In another recent case a woman allegedly blew six times the legal blood alcohol limit with two children under 16 years old in her car.

She had been pulled over in the suburb of Mitchan for allegedly using her mobile phone.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas appeared to offer his support for tougher laws in a press conference on Sunday.

“I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not,” he said.

“I think that’s a reasonable principle.”

A traffic camera in NSW caught this incident in 2023. Picture: A Current Affair

There have also been calls in NSW for harsher penalties for serious road crimes in the wake of two children’s deaths in a hit-and-run in Sydney.

Campaigners want the maximum penalty for the charge of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death increased from the current 14-year prison term.

It followed the deaths of two siblings allegedly struck by a disqualified driver in the suburb of Heckenberg in September 2023.

A petition launched by the children’s family gained 20,000 signatures.