Harsher laws for dangerous driving and evading police

Susan's Law is named in memory of one of the three victims of a fatal collision on the Gold Coast. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

People who drive dangerously, evade police and cause death or grievous bodily harm could face 20 years in prison under proposed laws in Queensland.

Drivers who leave a crash scene after causing death or grievous bodily harm could also face 20 years in prison under the laws, a six-year increase on the current maximum penalty.

The maximum penalty for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm will increase to 14 years, up from 10.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the new laws would send a "clear message' to anyone driving dangerously.

"Who knows what goes in in the mind of a criminal but if they've even got a skerrick of intelligence they've got to reflect on the significant penalty of evading (police) and the possible tragic consequences that go along with that," he said.

Claudine Snow's mother Susan Zimmer, 70, sister Steffi Zimmer, 35, and her mother's partner Chris Fawcett, 79, died in a collision with another car at Bonogin in December 2022.

Ms Snow has advocated for harsher penalties for dangerous drivers since the tragedy in the Gold Coast hinterland. 

The changes are set to be called Susan's Law in her mother's honour. 

"I know that my mum is pushing me to do this and she'd be very happy," Ms Snow said.

"They were just completely innocent people and they just wouldn't want to see anyone else get hurt ... I'm sure they're proud.

Premier Steven Miles said the legislation targeting dangerous drivers would be introduced to parliament his week. 

"These new penalties target those who show reckless disregard for the directions of police and the welfare of other people in our community," he said.

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