The Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder. Photo: Getty
Camera IconThe Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder. Photo: Getty Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Time for ban on high-powered cars

Greig JohnstonWestern Suburbs Weekly

WE ban high-powered, semi-automatic guns because people can’t be trusted with them.

It’s time we banned high-powered cars too, given they kill far more people.

What is the point of having a vehicle capable of speeds in excess of 200km per hour, when the state maximimum speed limit is (a far too high) 110km/h?

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Australia’s road toll is a national disgrace.

In 2016, according to statistics from Gunpolicy.org, 24 people died as a result of firearms in WA.

In the same period, 195 people died on our roads.

So where’s the logic?

For good reason, we have some of the strictest firearm laws in the country.

The Australian Medical Association supports a registration system for guns, involving “background checks similar to those adopted in other countries, which consider the applicant’s criminal, mental health, addiction and domestic violence records”.

How long until gambling ads go the way of big tobacco?

Yet any muppet who’s shown they can parallel park and do a three-point turn is trusted to pilot a missile.

If you feel the need for speed, you should be forced to pass an advanced driving course and have to register your vehicle with authorities, complete with background checks.

If you’re able to secure a licence to own a high-powered car you should be limited to specialised facilities, such as Barbagallo Raceway, to put the foot down.

Of course this campaign will go nowhere.

Perthies will defend their God-given right to cause carnage in a Commodore as vigorously as the gun nuts Stateside cling to the second amendment.

But it’s never made sense why cars are made to travel faster than they’re legally allowed.

Lower the state maximum to 80km/h and have the speed limit capped on all vehicles.

Let me break it to you: nobody but you is interested in the sound of your engine.

greig.johnston@communitynews.com.au