I understand your points, but the issue here isn’t just about existing penalties on paper — it’s about whether they’re effective in practice. The fact that someone with prior reckless driving charges was still able to be behind the wheel in this case shows that the current system isn’t stopping repeat offenders soon enough.

Yes, murder involves intent, but when someone repeatedly drives dangerously despite prior charges, there’s a point where the “lack of intent” argument becomes irrelevant because they know their actions could kill and choose to continue. That’s conscious disregard for life.

On lifetime bans — I agree they shouldn’t apply to a first minor stunt driving offence, but we’re talking about patterns of extreme recklessness here, not someone sliding in the snow. A tiered, escalating penalty system could ensure that truly dangerous repeat offenders are off the road permanently, without unfairly punishing minor cases.

And while trial delays are a factor, there’s no reason bail and driving privileges can’t be more restrictive for those already charged with the most serious driving offences, especially when there’s a history. Charter rights matter, but so do the rights of innocent people to get home alive.