Driver with kids in car makes 'stupid' remark before copping $2,800 fine
The dad was stopped on the Pacific Highway for travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit.
Aussie drivers have slammed an “irresponsible” dad who copped a $2,800 fine over the weekend for travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit with his two kids in the car.
NSW Police patrolling the Mid North Coast stopped the 39-year-old man on the Pacific Highway near Kundabung on Sunday for doing 162km/h in a 110km/h zone, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said. After being approached by officers, the driver allegedly stated “I know I’ve done something really stupid”.
An adult female and two children were passengers in the blue Skoda SUV, which police posted a photo of sitting on the side of the highway.
The driver was handed a fine of $2,794 and six demerit points for exceeding the speed limit over 45km/h. His licence was also confiscated on the spot and suspended for six months. The registration plates were confiscated for three months.
“Police would like to remind motorists to travel safe, especially during these school holidays,” the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command posted on Facebook.
Aussies call for heavier penalties
The driver’s illegal and risky behaviour on the road has ignited a heated response from Aussies, many of which said the dad was lucky “he got caught before something tragic happened”.
“Well done HWP. Obviously the driver has no regard for his family or others on the road,” one social media user wrote. “Good job! Should have confiscated the kids too!” another said. Several others called for “much heavier penalties” for the 45km/h infringement because it endangers other people. “Well done HWP you probably saved several lives,” someone wrote.
Shocking way 1,253 Aussies killed in one year
Australia’s national road death toll saw a drastic spike in 2023, bringing it to a five-year high and leading to a plea for transparency around crash data.
Some 1,253 people were killed on the nation's roads in the 12 months to November 30, the Australian Road Deaths Database shows. It is a 6.3 per cent jump on the previous year and the highest 12-month road toll since March 2018.
South Australia recorded the biggest increase with a 61.4 per cent jump in fatalities, followed by NSW with a 23.8 per cent rise and Victoria up 14.5 per cent.
with AAP
