New road safety laws to be named in memory of Furnissdale hit-and-run victim

New road safety laws ensuring dangerous drivers are banned from getting back behind the wheel will be named in memory of a 32-year-old woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Furnissdale.

Changes to the Road Traffic Act 1974, which will strengthen licence disqualification periods, will be called Kelly's Law.

The law is in memory of Kelly T’Hart, a pedestrian who died after being struck by a drunk driver while walking in Furnissdale on May 19, 2024.

The driver left the scene without helping the critically injured woman.

Despite facing serious charges, the offender was allowed back on Western Australian roads, including the street where Kelly’s family lives, just two months after the fatal crash.  

The changes will ensure drivers facing serious driving charges are not able to get back behind the wheel again before facing the courts for the first time. 

The law will also give the courts more power to extend licence disqualification until the case is finalised with sentencing. 

Disqualification notices are currently only available for some alcohol and drug offences, but the new law will be extended to include all drink and drug driving, reckless and dangerous driving, high-level speeding and hit-and-run offences.

“Drivers who think they’re above the law and continue to put lives at risk by driving dangerously or under the influence should be banned from our roads," Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said.

“The changes will help protect innocent people from the actions of reckless and irresponsible drivers. 

“I thank the T’Hart family for their drive and determination in making sure that what happened to them, doesn’t happen to anyone else.”