Drivers could face a lifetime driving ban for causing a fatal road accident and failing to stop and assist victims under new proposals.
Jersey politicians are set to debate the proposal next week, which, if approved, would create harsher consequences for drivers breaking the rules.
The proposition, lodged by Deputy Catherine Curtis of St Helier Central, called for the creation of a new offence under the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956.
The proposal aims to strengthen penalties beyond the current law, which already makes it an offence for people not to report an accident.
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Jersey has the highest number of road casualties of any UK region
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Curtis stated on social media platform, X: "I'm bringing a proposition for lifetime driving bans for drivers who fail to stop and assist someone who they've seriously injured in a road traffic incident. I want the roads to be safer, and I want justice for victims and their families."
The need for more measures follows reports that Jersey has the highest road casualty rate across the UK. During the past five years, there have been nine fatalities and 242 serious injuries on Jersey's roads, with almost 1,000 slight injuries recorded.
The current penalties for causing death by dangerous driving, introduced in 1997, include a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment and a minimum two-year driving disqualification.
Courts currently have discretionary power regarding the length of any disqualification. The existing law already contains an offence of failing to stop and report an accident under Article 52 of the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956.
Current sentencing guidelines for this offence, which were updated in October 2024, provide for a minimum 12-month disqualification, which can be increased to match drink-driving penalties.
But the proposition argued that a lifetime driving ban for those who cause serious injury or death and fail to stop is justified on several grounds.
It stated that dangerous driving resulting in serious harm shows "a reckless disregard for public safety", and allowing such individuals to drive again poses a threat to others.
The document explained that failing to stopdemonstrates"a lack of moral responsibility and empathy for the victim(s)" and may be seen as an attempt to evade accountability.
Curtis has now suggested that knowing a lifetime ban awaits could encourage drivers to stop and report accidents, potentially saving lives. The proposition also argues that lifetime bans would serve as a strong deterrent to dangerous driving and hit-and-run behaviour.
The Minister for Infrastructure has expressed support for the proposition, while suggesting amendments to ensure it is deliverable. In comments presented to the States this week, the Minister confirmed backing for "the intention behind the proposition" while noting that consultation would be necessary.
The amended version would refine the offence to include "failure to provide assistance to any injured person," a provision not included in the current law.
It also clarifies that lifetime disqualification would be a maximum penalty, ensuring courts retain appropriate discretion in sentencing.
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Drivers could face harsher punishments for driving offences under the new proposals
GETTYThe Minister stated: "I believe we have arrived at a position where this proposition now requests that work takes place towards meaningful and worthwhile change.
"Action is needed to make Jersey's roads safer. That will include legislative change and increasing deterrents."
