Enhancing Road Safety through Mandatory Licensing in South Australia

In a groundbreaking move , South Australia has announced that motorists driving ultra high - powered vehicles will now be required to obtain a special license and undergo additional training . This decision comes after the tragic death of 15 - year - old Sophia Naismith in 2019 , who was fatally struck by an out - of - control Lamborghini . The Naismith family , devastated by the loss of their daughter , has been advocating for these changes to hold drivers accountable for their actions.

Thousands of South Australians will now need to complete an interactive online course to educate them on the risks associated with driving high - powered vehicles . This new requirement will apply to approximately 1.2 million registered drivers in the state who wish to operate these types of vehicles . The move aims to reduce the number of road incidents involving high - powered vehicles and prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Sophia Naismith 's life.

Under the new regulations , an ultra high powered vehicle ( UHPV ) is defined as any vehicle with a gross vehicle mass of up to 4.5 tonnes and a power - to - weight ratio of 276 kilowatts per tonne or more , excluding buses , motorbikes , and motor trikes . The law covers around 200 makes of vehicles , including the Lamborghini involved in Sophia Naismith 's accident . This license requirement is part of a broader effort to ensure that drivers are prepared to handle the additional risks associated with operating high - powered vehicles on South Australian roads.

The State 's Attorney - General Kyam Maher and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis have expressed their support for the new licensing requirements . They emphasize the importance of educating motorists on vehicle features , safety systems , maintenance , laws , and penalties to promote responsible driving and enhance road safety . Authorities hope that these measures will not only influence driver behavior but also empower law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for endangering others ' lives.

The implementation of stricter licensing requirements for drivers towing recreational vehicles in Queensland earlier this year underscores the ongoing concerns about road safety in Australia . With the country 's road toll increasing , there have been calls for tougher rules on driver 's licenses and additional education to reduce accidents and fatalities . While there is no one - size - fits - all solution to road safety , experts emphasize the importance of continuous education , enforcement , and behavioral incentives to keep roads safe for all users.