'Ryan's Law' petition gets more than 100k signatures after fatal hit-and-run in Cornwall
Ryan Saltern's family are calling to widen the legal definition of causing death by dangerous driving
A new campaign, launched by the family of a young dad from Cornwall who died after a hit-and-run, has reached a major milestone.
More than 100,000 people have signed a petition for 'Ryan's Law', which will mean it is eligible for a debate in Parliament.
The petition is calling for the legal definition of causing death by dangerous driving to be widened.
31-year-old Ryan Saltern lost his life after the collision at St Teath in 2019.
The driver involved in the incident pleaded guilty to failing to stop and failing to report the accident and was given a four-month suspended sentence.
Since Ryan's death, his family have campaigned tirelessly for hit-and-run drivers to face tougher sentences.
In December 2020, their first petition received over 100,000 signatures which meant the matter would be debated in Parliament.
Although the driver involved was not convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, Ryan's Law wants to widen the legal definition of that.
The new petition is also pushing for minimum 10-year sentences and, as of the morning of Thursday 12th May, had received 100,730 signatures.
Ryan's dad Mark, from Delabole, has told us what action he wants the government to take.
"It's to include the failing to stop and failing to report area, where you should stop, call 999 and get emergency services there to render aid. To at least do something and not just leave the scene.
"We speak for Ryan. I know he's not here but Ryan would always find a positive out of any negative and that's what we're trying to do, like he would do, to make a difference.
"It's about saving lives isn't it. Give someone a fighting chance of life. Just don't leave someone there dying".
Ryan's mum Helen added: "We would have a massive positive from something so horrific in our life and feel like he would live on and he will have changed future people's lives".
Mark continued: "If someone comes forward and says thank-you for Ryan's Law because someone got sentenced for killing their loved one, just that first one would mean so much".
Mark and Helen, Ryan Saltern's Parents
What is the new petition calling for?
The petition is entitled Ryan's Law: Widen definition of 'causing death by dangerous driving'.
It states: "The offence of causing 'death by dangerous driving' should be widened to include: failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives".
It goes on to say: "Failure to stop/careless driving offers lighter custodial sentences and focuses on fines/suspensions.
"Drivers should STOP, ring 999 and render AID until help arrives.
"If they do not they should face charges for death by dangerous driving.
"The law should require this and aim to reduce the number of hit and runs and roadside deaths.
"With this definition, a minimum 10 years-max life sentence, citizens would be better protected".
Ryan's Law Petition
The petition can be found here.
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