Urgent Overhaul: Strengthening Road Safety Laws
Urgent Overhaul: Strengthening Road Safety Laws
Through my experiences as a father who has suffered a personal tragedy I am intimately familiar with the devastating effects of road crime incidents.
In 2020, my son, Aaron was killed by a motorist who ran a red light. Aaron was just 28 years old, a father-to-be whose life was cut tragically short, leaving behind a heartbroken family; his parents, siblings, pregnant fiancée, friends, colleagues, and a son he never had the chance to meet.
The driver responsible pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death but received a sentence that many, including myself, consider disproportionately light: only two years, served under home detention.
One key aspect often emphasised in the ongoing discourse surrounding road safety is personal responsibility. The Police Command in NSW has rightly highlighted this, underlining the need for a cultural shift. This can be facilitated by education, consequences, and enforcement. While these measures prove effective for the majority, it is evident that a minority prioritises selfish desires over personal responsibility, resulting in mayhem and trauma.
Over the decades, we have witnessed the devastating consequences of this disregard for personal responsibility. The ripple effect of trauma is wide-reaching and long-lasting. For those who drive with reckless disregard for the safety of others, mere education and minimal consequences may not suffice. We must implement stronger consequences and bolster enforcement measures to deter such reckless behaviour. While changing their attitudes may be challenging, increasing the likelihood of detection and prevention is crucial.
Recent incidents, including those with multiple fatalities, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for action. Often drivers involved should not have been operating their vehicles. It's not just a matter of personal responsibility; it's a matter of public safety.
We must examine every aspect of the system to prevent individuals lacking personal responsibility from accessing and misusing vehicles, akin to the stringent regulations governing firearms.
The focus must shift towards enhancing detection mechanisms and ensuring swift, appropriate consequences. Families continue to endure trauma, underscoring the urgency of implementing comprehensive reforms to safeguard lives on our roads.
It's time for decisive action to curb irresponsible behaviour and protect our communities from further harm.
David Vidal
Founding member of the Road Trauma Support Group NSW.
4, June, 2024