Those convicted of dangerous driving will face a maximum sentence of 21 years after new laws passed state Parliament’s upper house on Wednesday.
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The crime is now an indictable offence to be prosecuted in the Supreme Court as it moves from the Traffic Act to the Criminal Code.
The maximum sentence for negligent driving causing death has also increased by one year and negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm increased by six months.
Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Jim Cox said he welcomed the move.
“Anything that acts as a deterrent to make our roads safer, then the Road Safety Advisory Council would welcome it every time,” he said.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Independent Windermere MLC Ivan Dean supported the bill and said that currently, some drivers were playing “Russian roulette” on Tasmanian roads.
“Dangerous driving is a crime and should always be within the criminal code or penalties should have been much greater than those currently provided for in the acts,” Mr Dean said.
“It is a great amendment to send a strong message, if you engage in dangerous driving on our public roads, you get caught.”
Acting Leader of Government and Montgomery MLC Leonie Hiscutt said on Tuesday it was in the interest of all Tasmanians to ensure road users remained safe.
“Deaths and serious injuries on the road have obvious terrible physical and emotional effects on those directly involved,” Ms Hiscutt said.
Acting Attorney-General Matthew Groom said these laws would send a message that dangerous driving would not be tolerated.
“Dangerous driving is a scourge that can result in lives being lost and families being torn apart,” he said.