Driver’s mistake on popular 4WD beach prompts warning
One driver has issued a warning after witnessing someone getting 'busted' by police on K'gari.
Drivers are being reminded to not be complacent with the wearing of their seatbelts while 4WDing across Aussie beaches this summer, after one motorist's mistake left him with a hefty fine. While 4WD-accessible beaches may seem like the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and cut loose, regular road rules still apply Queensland Police confirmed to Yahoo.
The reminder comes after a fine was issued to a driver who was cruising along Seventy-Five Mile Beach on the popular tourist island of K'Gari whilst incorrectly wearing his seatbelt. Those travelling more than the 80 km/h speed limit are also liable for a speeding fine.
4WD enthusiast Chris Maujean told Yahoo News Australia he had just pulled up to the famous Maheno wreck with his partner Miriam when he saw the tourist being 'busted' by police.
"The guy drove past police who saw he wasn't wearing a seatbelt... afterwards he was having a whinge to me, saying it was ridiculous," he said. "People think when you're on a beach that it's a free-for-all, you can do what you want, but road rules still apply... it's just a normal road."
He urged drivers to use "common sense" and said he has witnessed some "terrible" accidents on beach roads after passengers didn't wear a seatbelt.
"Miriam and I have seen a couple of horrific accidents on beaches. We actually saw a child fly out a window once from a rolling car at Kinkuna Beach [near Bundaberg]," he said.
Queensland Police confirmed to Yahoo News that improper wearing of a seatbelt, or the complete lack of one, results in penalties on the popular tourist island of K'gari.
500,000 visitors risk fines for not following road rule
4WDs are the main mode of transport on the large, sand island and with 500,000 visitors travelling to K'gari every year, all of these visitors could be fined for not wearing a seatbelt correctly — even if they're not the driver.
Drivers and all passengers over seven years travelling inside a 4WD are breaking the law if they don't wear a seatbelt correctly. Drivers, and passengers 16 and over, not correctly wearing a seatbelt can cop a $1,209 fine, which is the same penalty for not wearing a seatbelt on the mainland.
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