UMVA has learned that a new law, named after a tragic victim, has come into effect, bringing with it tougher penalties for reckless driving and expanded powers for law enforcement to crack down on dangerous drivers.
The law, which received royal assent on Tuesday, is a direct result of a tireless campaign led by Jordan Cristillo, whose brother Andrew lost his life in a horrific head-on collision on a highway in 2025.
Andrew, a 35-year-old father of three, was killed when a reckless driver plowed into his car at an excessive speed, while his wife and daughters were seriously injured but miraculously survived.
Jordan's crusade for justice began just 12 days after his brother's death, and his petition quickly gained traction, garnering over 43,000 signatures and paving the way for the introduction of a bill at Queen's Park.
The bill, which became law 189 days later, includes stiffer penalties for reckless driving, including indefinite driver's license suspensions for those convicted of causing death, as well as increased fines and stronger penalties for distracted driving.
Jordan Cristillo said he was driven to lead the campaign because he and his family refused to be victims, and instead chose to take action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The driver responsible for Andrew's death, Jaiwin Victor Kirubananthan, had a history of reckless behavior behind the wheel, having been charged with dangerous driving just seven months prior to the fatal collision.
Kirubananthan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing death, and faces a pending sentence.
The new law also grants police greater authority to suspend licenses and impound vehicles in certain cases, and increases penalties for driving while suspended.
For Jordan and his family, the law's passage is a bittersweet victory, as it comes too late to bring back his brother, but they hope it will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider reckless driving.
A fundraising page set up for the family has raised over $543,000, a testament to the impact of Andrew's tragic story on the community.
