Driver spotted in 'moronic' $337 act while travelling 'at freeway speeds' on Aussie road
Road authorities have been pleading for the best behaviour from motorists this holiday season. But clearly not everyone has received the message.
A dangerously laidback driver has been caught cruising along an Aussie highway during the busy holiday period with his crossed feet casually hanging out the driver's side window, while his left arm lazily rests behind the headrest.
Those who past the male driver were completely bewildered to spot his unlawful nonchalance while travelling solo at "freeway speeds" — not only putting himself at risk but also those around him.
The footage was shared online this week, leaving Aussies horrified by the behaviour as a stream of concerns and complaints were raised.
"How can he brake in an emergency? Risking not only himself but others on the road. Disgusting," one woman said, while another commented that he would be "an instant mess in an accident".
Others argued the driver "needs his licence taken off him" and labelled him a "moron". "What a complete and utter idiot," one Aussie echoed.
Drivers face hefty fines for protruding limbs out of windows
Drivers and their passengers are required by law to have all of their limbs inside of a moving vehicle at all times and drivers have been fined, or threatened with a fine, for much less than what the man was caught doing this week.
South Australian Charlotte Nicholls was pulled over by police earlier this month after she was caught with her arm outside of the driver's window and told Yahoo News she "had no idea it was illegal". She was let off with a warning and dodged a $323 fine.
In NSW, drivers can cop a $337 fine as well as three demerit points for gesturing or hanging an arm outside of a vehicle's window — with Queenslanders facing $298 and Victorians copping a $141 fine for the infringement.
Charlies Mountain, RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure told Yahoo News previously that "it is illegal to drive with any part of your body outside the vehicle under the Australian Road Rules".
On Christmas Eve 2012, a male driver was spotted similarly hurtling along a Melbourne highway, with police saying at the time they were astounded by the "stupidity".
"This young man, his behaviour without any further examination, is conduct endangering life. That's a very serious charge," Inspector Bernie Rankin said.
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