The Ontario government has announced a major set of proposed legislative changes aimed at reducing dangerous driving and improving road safety across the province.
The measures are being introduced in part in response to an “Andrew’s Law” petition, launched by the family of Andrew Cristillo, a father of three who was killed by a driver who was later charged with dangerous and stunt driving.
Among the most significant proposed changes is a lifetime licence suspension for anyone convicted of dangerous driving causing death. The province also plans to give police the authority to immediately suspend a licence for 90 days and impound a vehicle if officers have grounds to believe someone is driving dangerously.
Other measures include new 7-day and 30-day roadside suspensions for careless driving, higher fines for commercial drivers who violate safety laws, increased penalties for driving under suspension, and expanded education for young and novice drivers.
Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said the reforms are intended to deter reckless behaviour and save lives, noting that “no family should ever face the heartbreak of losing a loved one” due to dangerous driving. Advocates, including MADD Canada and the Ontario Trucking Association, have publicly supported the strengthened penalties.
The province says the goal is to equip police with the tools needed to reduce fatalities and ensure Ontario roads remain among the safest in North America.
Written by Joseph Goden
