The family of an Ontario father killed in a horrific head-on collision is spearheading a viral campaign demanding stricter penalties for dangerous drivers, as a petition backing their call surpasses 37,000 signatures.
A Family Shattered by Alleged Dangerous Driving
Andrew Cristillo, 35, was killed on August 3, 2025, while driving on Highway 48 near Aurora Road. The father of three was returning home with his family after visiting his parents. The crash also left his wife and their three young daughters with severe injuries. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that Cristillo's wife had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
Police charged 18-year-old Jaiwin Kirubananthan 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. Authorities allege that Kirubananthan fled the scene following the fatal collision.
A Troubling History and a Call for "Andrew's Law"
This was not the first serious incident involving the accused driver. On January 2025, Kirubananthan allegedly struck an Ontario Provincial Police vehicle carrying Premier Doug Ford on Highway 401 while driving dangerously. Ford was not injured. Following that January incident, Kirubananthan received the standard 30-day licence suspension for an alleged stunt driving offence but was not arrested. He was issued an appearance notice, allowing him to continue driving until his trial.
Led by Andrew's brother, Jordan Cristillo, the family has launched a powerful campaign advocating for "Andrew's Law." The proposed legislation aims to close perceived loopholes and impose stricter consequences. A poignant, AI-generated video featuring an empty chair at a Christmas dinner with a child's sweater draped over it has gone viral, amplifying their message.
What Would Andrew's Law Enforce?
The proposed law outlines several key measures to toughen Canada's response to dangerous driving:
- Immediate licence suspensions for anyone charged with dangerous driving, stunt driving, or impaired driving.
- Mandatory jail time for convictions of driving while disqualified, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders that could include vehicle forfeiture.
- The implementation of mandatory road safety education in schools.
- Lifetime driving bans for repeat dangerous driving offenders.
The accompanying Change.org petition states, "Loopholes and leniencies must be closed to protect innocent lives. By introducing non-negotiable terms for offenders, we uphold the value of life and the safety of the public." The family and supporters believe such measures are necessary to deliver justice and act as a stronger deterrent, potentially preventing future tragedies.
As of late December 2025, the petition calling for the adoption of Andrew's Law has garnered over 37,000 signatures, demonstrating significant public support for reforming how the justice system handles dangerous driving offences.
