South Australian government to introduce high-powered sports car licences after fatal Lamborghini crash

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The South Australian government is looking to introduce a new speciality licence for drivers of high-powered sports cars following a fatal crash that resulted in the death of a 15-year-old girl.

The new specialty licence is set to be introduced to parliament later this year and will be applied to both current and future drivers as part of a host of road safety measures. 

Changes to existing road safety laws were prompted following the death of Sophia Naismith,  who was allegedly struck and killed by a Lamborghini Huracan in 2019 when the driver lost control of the vehicle south-west of Adelaide.

An exact definition of what constitutes a ‘high-powered sports car’ and other key elements of the new rules are yet to be revealed, but the state’s Labor premier, Peter Malinauskas, discussed other key points of the proposed legislation over the weekend.

Drivers who opt for the new speciality licence will be required to undertake further additional training similar to a motorcycle or truck licence, according to 9 News. 

Additionally, the government is considering measures such as banning users of high-powered vehicles from deactivating traction control and will cancel the licences of drivers accused of improper driving behaviour that results in death until the matter has been settled in court, according to ABC News.

Mr Malinauskas said he expected to see a “degree of resistance” to the laws from existing sports car owners but reiterated that the changes were necessary. 

“I believe it’s the right thing to do, I think most of the community think it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

While the new proposed legislation won’t be introduced to parliament until later this year, it’s expected to pass into law with the support of the opposition party.