Defence of voluntary assumption of risk
4.18 Defence of voluntary assumption of risk
Except as provided by subsection (2), the defence of volenti non fit injuria is not available in proceedings for damages arising from a motor accident but, where that defence would otherwise have been available, the amount of any damages is to be reduced to such extent as is just and equitable on the presumption that the injured person or deceased person was negligent in failing to take sufficient care for his or her own safety.
If a motor accident occurs while a motor vehicle is engaged in motor racing, the defence of volenti non fit injuria is available in proceedings for damages brought in respect of the death of or injury to—
the driver of the vehicle so engaged, or
a passenger in the vehicle so engaged, other than a passenger who is less than 18 years of age or who otherwise lacked capacity to consent to be a voluntary passenger.
For the purposes of subsection (2), a motor vehicle is engaged in motor racing if it is participating in—
an organised motor sports event, or
an activity that is an offence under section 115 of the Road Transport Act 2013.
This Act’s bill:Explanatory memorandumSecond reading speech
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