The family of Andrew Cristillo, a 35-year-old father of three killed earlier this month in a head-on collision in Whitchurch-Stouffville, is channeling their grief into a campaign for stronger laws against dangerous driving. Cristillo died on August 3 when his car was struck by an alleged dangerous driver, leaving his wife and three young daughters injured. His brother Jordan says the tragedy has left a permanent scar, describing it as a “life-long sentence” for the family, especially his nieces who will grow up without their father at birthdays, recitals, and future milestones.
The Cristillo family has launched a petition calling for “Andrew’s Law,” which proposes immediate licence suspensions for anyone charged with dangerous driving and lifetime driving bans for those convicted of extreme cases. Jordan Cristillo insists that driving is a privilege, not a right, and argues that failing to keep dangerous drivers off the road puts innocent lives at risk.
Eighteen-year-old Jaiwin Kirubananthan has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to remain at an accident resulting in death, and public mischief. Police say he is the same individual charged earlier this year after a vehicle struck an OPP car transporting Premier Doug Ford. While his lawyer Barry Fox argues that current laws already allow for life imprisonment and provide flexibility to account for varying degrees of dangerous driving, the Cristillo family believes the law needs to be stricter to prevent repeat tragedies.
Premier Ford has expressed support for strengthening penalties, calling such changes “long overdue.” The federal Justice Department, while unable to comment directly on the case, noted that penalties for dangerous driving were toughened in 2018, including the possibility of life imprisonment and lifetime driving bans.
The family’s struggle has been compounded by the fact that Andrew’s wife, Christina, has been battling breast cancer. Jordan Cristillo says her husband was her anchor throughout her treatments, determined to create lasting memories with their children despite uncertainty about the future. Friends and strangers have rallied to support the family, with a GoFundMe campaign surpassing $500,000 and a change.org petition for “Andrew’s Law” attracting over 10,000 signatures.
Jordan Cristillo says that outpouring of support has given the family strength: “Whether it’s signing a petition or donating, all those acts big and small are helping us move forward. We’re very grateful for the community for having our backs.”