WA's P-plate drivers will be banned from carrying more than one passenger in their first six months behind the wheel, under changes announced by the State Government.
The new road rules will be known as 'Tom's Law,' after 15-year-old Tom Saffioti, who was killed along with his 17-year-old friend Mark Bogoni when the car they were in slammed into a tree in Seville Grove in September 2021.
They were among five passengers in a car which was being driven by an 18-year-old P-plater.
The Premier Roger Cook said the changes, which come into effect on December 1, aim to reduce distraction for young drivers.
"Statistics and recent tragedies on our roads show that novice drivers are at high risk of crashes and of being distracted," Mr Cook said.
"This new change is a practical and sensible and enforceable step that strikes the right balance to protect our young drivers, their families and their friends."
'Peace of mind' for parents
Tom's mother, Samantha, has been lobbying the government to introduce passenger restrictions for P-plate drivers, believing it will help save lives.
Samantha Saffioti has been lobbying the government to introduce P-plate passenger restrictions following the death of her son Tom. (Supplied: Samantha Saffioti)
Mrs Saffioti, who is a relative of Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, thanked the government for taking action.
"This change means so much to families like mine, as it gives young drivers the chance to gain confidence on the road safely without added distraction," she said.
"It also supports parents making road-safety decisions for their children.
"In memory of Tom, Mark and all the other precious lives lost, this is a step towards preventing passenger-related deaths and injuries and keeping our kids safe."
Mrs Saffioti said it was her goal to prevent other families from experiencing the heartache she has endured.
"My hope is that this small change will bring some peace of mind to parents, knowing we're all working together to protect our children on the roads."
Exceptions to the rule
WA's road toll has reached 151 deaths so far this year, which is the highest year to date figure since 2016.
The State Government has been under pressure to introduce the changes after a spate of recent deaths involving young passengers, including 18-year-old Nick Campo in July.
Nick Campo, a WA football player, died in a car crash in Perth's southern suburbs in July. (Supplied: WAFL)
In WA, drivers have their red P-plates for six months and green P-plates for 18 months.
Under Tom's Law, red P-plate drivers will be restricted to only one passenger at all times, unless the additional passenger or passengers are experienced drivers who have held a licence for at least four years, are immediate family members or the driving is work related.
If the driving is work related, the P-plater will have to carry a letter from their employer and present it on request.
Tom Saffioti and a 17-year-old friend were killed when the car they were passengers in hit a kerb and slammed into a tree in Seville Grove in September 2021. (Supplied: Samantha Saffioti)
The penalty for breaching the passenger restrictions is a $200 fine and two demerit points, which is the same as for driving during the existing red P-Plate curfew.
The current curfew on red P-plate driving between midnight and 5am will continue to apply.
Slow to act
The Premier has rejected criticism that the government had been slow to act, with WA the last state (other than the Northern Territory) to adopt passenger restrictions for P-plate drivers.
The changes come after Mrs Saffioti's petition calling for Tom's Law was signed by more than 2,000 people.
"I think there has been an assumption that we could just make these changes with a flick of a pen," Mr Cook said.
“Of course, regulations are not that easy to draft... this is a complex issue."
The Premier, Roger Cook, said the new laws aim to reduce distraction in young drivers. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
The Minister for Road Safety, David Michael, said changes to legislation for P-plate drivers had always been on the agenda.
“Looking at the impact these crashes have had, especially those more recent ones, is why the government is making the decision today.”
Safety measures expanded
In addition to the P-plate passenger restrictions, the State Government will commission a comprehensive review into the existing learner and P-plate licensing schemes.
It said the review would "consider the latest research and best practice experience from other Australian jurisdictions, including the use of improved hazard perception training, additional safe driving courses, instructor training and accreditation, penalties and first aid courses."
The Department of Transport will also offer a pilot Safe Driving Course for up to 750 people under 25 years of age and additional opportunities for young people to interact with those who have experienced road trauma.
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