The gobsmacking reason one motorist was fined $173 – and it could have been much worse
A Queensland motorist says he was given a $173 fine and one demerit point for a seemingly innocent reason - taking a sip of water behind the wheel.
Brock Harris, told ABC Radio Brisbane he was driving home to Beaudesert about 70km from Brisbane after a long 12-hour work day, when he was pulled over by police.
He told the radio station he’d taken a sip from his 600ml plastic bottle of water as he was turning onto his street, when an officer directed his lights at him.
“As I was pulling into my street I was pulled over by the police and told it was illegal to drink anything while driving,” he told ABC’s Rebecca Levingston.
The police officer reportedly told Mr Harris that he was being issued a $173 fine and one demerit point as a result of him “not paying due care and attention”.
“If it is against the law then I’ll pay the fine, but it’s not compassionate to fine someone on a 39-degree day (for trying to) stay hydrated,” he said.
“The policeman told me there was nothing I could do and he was doing his job — but I am going to challenge the fine.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson told news.com.au that fines are usually issued under such circumstances if the action causes the driver to not be in control of their vehicle.
Queensland Police Superintendent David Johnson’ also reaffirmed the same sentiment, saying there are many drivers who consume drinks safely on the road.
“For us to issue a fine we have to look at the circumstances to see if the driver’s actions are causing risks to themselves or others,” he said.
“Driving without due care and attention was once put before court, but these days it’s a traffic infringement notice that is issued.”
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads website says driving without due care and attention carries a hefty $533 fine and three demerit points.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson noted that the on-the-spot fine for a driver not having proper control of a vehicle is $311.
“We all have a role to play in road safety,” they said.
“Distracted drivers are a danger not only to themselves and their passengers, but to other road users as well. It only takes a split second to lose your concentration.”