Permanent driving ban suggested for not reporting a major accident

Lifetime Driving Ban Proposed for Failing to Report Serious Road Accidents in Jersey

A new law could soon be introduced in Jersey to make failing to stop and report a road accident that results in death or serious injury a specific criminal offence. Deputy Catherine Curtis is leading the initiative and has called on the States Assembly to back stricter penalties, including a lifetime driving ban for offenders.

She argues that those responsible for fatal accidents should never be allowed to drive again, sparing grieving families the distress of seeing them back on the road.

Her formal request to the States Assembly urges the Home Affairs Minister to:

"Introduce a new offence under the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956 for failing to stop and report an accident involving serious or fatal injury, with penalties including, but not limited to, a lifetime driving disqualification, and to present the necessary legislation for approval."

Deputy Curtis highlights a concerning statistic—Jersey has the highest road casualty rate in Britain. According to government data released last summer, the past five years have seen nine road fatalities and 242 serious injuries on the island.

She emphasises that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that current laws do not go far enough in delivering justice for victims and their families.

"Justice is not served when a person responsible for a fatal crash is allowed back on the roads," she said. "No grieving family or close friend should have to witness the perpetrator driving again."

At present, causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a minimum driving disqualification of two years. Meanwhile, failing to stop and report an accident can result in up to six months in prison and a fine.

However, Deputy Curtis believes these penalties are insufficient both as a deterrent and in securing justice for victims' families.

"With Jersey’s alarmingly high number of road casualties, there is no time to waste in implementing stronger measures. A lifetime ban for those who fail to stop and report a serious accident could help reduce these numbers while ensuring greater justice for those affected," she stated.

The proposal will now be debated by the States Assembly, with supporters hoping it will lead to tougher road safety laws in Jersey.