South Australia’s Premier has pledged to reform road safety laws so high-powered sports car drivers face stricter new licensing standards.
The rules propose drivers of “high-powered super sports cars” complete specific training, similar to that required for motorcycle or heavy vehicle licences. They also include banning the disabling of traction control in high-powered vehicles.
South Australia also wants to strengthen laws banning drivers accused of killing a person from holding a licence until their case is resolved.
In addition to these reforms, South Australian Police and the Attorney-General’s office will work on proposed changes to the Criminal Law Consolidation Act, which relates to a death occurring because of unacceptable driving behaviour.
The promise to change road safety laws follows the death of teenage pedestrian Sophia Naismith, who passed away in 2019 after being hit by a Lamborghini Huracan outside a restaurant at Glengowrie, South Australia.
The person who was driving the V10-powered Lamborghini at the time, Alexander Campbell, was acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving by the South Australian District Court on Thursday, August 18.
Mr Campbell had already pleaded guilty to driving without due care and will be sentenced on this charge at a later date.
Mr Malinauskas spoke with Ms Naismith’s family the day after the crash and advised the SA State Government would take “immediate action” and begin drafting legislation to implement their proposed reforms.
Mr Malinauskas said his Government aims to introduce these reforms to Parliament by the end of the year.
“An elite, high-powered sports car, like a Lamborghini, if used, does require a high degree of driver competency,” said Mr Malinauskas during a press conference, shared by 7News Adelaide.
“And that should be tested before the acquisition and the driving of such a car can take place.”
“So as a Government we are attracted to having an alternate form of licence that would only be in place for someone that wants to drive an elite, high-powered sports car.”
“Just to make sure they have the ability to drive that car in such a way that doesn’t compromise the safety of other road users, or pedestrians, on South Australian roads.”
