A Manawatū family is fighting for tougher penalties after their 18-year-old daughter was killed by a driver who ran a compulsory stop sign.
Jade Evans died after a truck collided with her car at an intersection near Palmerston North in November last year. She was pregnant at the time of the crash.
The truck driver pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and was sentenced yesterday to two months' community detention, a one-year driver licence disqualification and ordered to pay reparation to Evans' family.
But Evans' mother, Kathryn Stothers, and stepfather, Cameron Stothers, told 1News that while the court proceedings have now concluded, their fight has only just begun.
"Compared to other countries, New Zealand's law is too focused on the intent of the driver and lacks consequences," Kathryn Stothers said.
Under section 38 of the Land Transport Act, the maximum penalty for careless driving causing injury or death is three months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $4500. A driver must also be disqualified for at least six months, subject to limited exceptions.
"There is no sentence that can bring someone back, but the law should reflect the seriousness of preventable road deaths and provide courts with penalties that are proportionate to the harm caused," she said.
Evans' family has now launched Jade's Law — a petition calling for changes to the Act, stronger penalties and greater accountability when careless or negligent driving results in someone's death.
"It wasn't until we experienced it for ourselves that we realised how limited the options are for families in New Zealand."
In Australia penalties vary by state, but the maximum sentence ranges from up to two years in prison in New South Wales to up to five years in South Australia. In Western Australia fines can be as high as $36,000.
Kathryn Stothers said her daughter would have supported the fight for safer roads, and her family was doing everything it could to ensure others were not left in a similar situation.
Evans suffered serious brain injuries and died in hospital three days after the crash.
"Jade was a loyal and loving daughter, sister and friend, the kind of person who cared deeply about the people around her. Jade gave the gift of life and donated her organs," she said.
The petition goes live this week.
For more information, visit Jade's Law on Facebook and Instagram.
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