Implement Tom's Law: Restrict the Number of Passengers for Probationary Drivers
The issue
I am a heartbroken mother grieving the unimaginable loss of my 15-year-old son, a bright and beautiful soul whose life was tragically cut short.
My 15 year old son, Tom, lost his life tragically as a rear-seat passenger in a car driven by a probationary driver. This wasn't just an accident, it was an avoidable incident - if the car had not been overloaded with youth, perhaps my son would still be with us. This profound loss has compelled me to seek change, this is why I am pushing for a change in probationary driver laws in Western Australia.
With the grief and heartbreak I've experienced, I want to ensure no other parent has to endure this pain. Thus in honour of Tom, I propose the introduction of “Tom’s Law,” which would limit probationary drivers to carrying only one passenger, with exceptions for immediate family members. This change would significantly reduce the likelihood of multiple fatalities in the event of an accident and minimise distractions for inexperienced drivers.
According to the latest data from the Main Roads WA Road Safety Research and Evaluation Manager, there were 26 motor vehicle accident (MVA) passenger deaths in Western Australia in 2021. Tragically, two of these fatalities were my son, Tom, and his friend, who lost their lives in a car accident caused by an inexperienced driver. From 2021 to 19th August 2024, Western Australia recorded 106 MVA passenger deaths. A significant number of these deaths involved drivers aged 17-19, with inexperience, peer pressure, speeding, and distractions being the leading contributing factors.
Through this petition, we can make an improvement to the safety of our youth on the roads and we can prevent another family mourning like we have. I urge the Western Australian Government to recognise the urgent need for this reform, in memory of all the young lives lost in motor vehicle accidents involving probationary drivers. By enacting “Tom’s Law,” we aim to improve road safety and prevent further tragedies.
Please sign this petition and push for the implementation of Tom's law to make our roads safer for all.
2,340
The issue
I am a heartbroken mother grieving the unimaginable loss of my 15-year-old son, a bright and beautiful soul whose life was tragically cut short.
My 15 year old son, Tom, lost his life tragically as a rear-seat passenger in a car driven by a probationary driver. This wasn't just an accident, it was an avoidable incident - if the car had not been overloaded with youth, perhaps my son would still be with us. This profound loss has compelled me to seek change, this is why I am pushing for a change in probationary driver laws in Western Australia.
With the grief and heartbreak I've experienced, I want to ensure no other parent has to endure this pain. Thus in honour of Tom, I propose the introduction of “Tom’s Law,” which would limit probationary drivers to carrying only one passenger, with exceptions for immediate family members. This change would significantly reduce the likelihood of multiple fatalities in the event of an accident and minimise distractions for inexperienced drivers.
According to the latest data from the Main Roads WA Road Safety Research and Evaluation Manager, there were 26 motor vehicle accident (MVA) passenger deaths in Western Australia in 2021. Tragically, two of these fatalities were my son, Tom, and his friend, who lost their lives in a car accident caused by an inexperienced driver. From 2021 to 19th August 2024, Western Australia recorded 106 MVA passenger deaths. A significant number of these deaths involved drivers aged 17-19, with inexperience, peer pressure, speeding, and distractions being the leading contributing factors.
Through this petition, we can make an improvement to the safety of our youth on the roads and we can prevent another family mourning like we have. I urge the Western Australian Government to recognise the urgent need for this reform, in memory of all the young lives lost in motor vehicle accidents involving probationary drivers. By enacting “Tom’s Law,” we aim to improve road safety and prevent further tragedies.
Please sign this petition and push for the implementation of Tom's law to make our roads safer for all.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 3 September 2024