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Australia's worst drivers caught on camera

<p>Western Australia's drivers have made headlines – and not the good kind – with police left shaking their heads and muttering “mind-boggling” after a high-tech camera trial captured more than 130,000 road offences in just six months.</p> <p>The cameras, rolled out across hotspots since January 26, have been snapping everything from missing seatbelts to mobile phone acrobatics, with one driver managing the feat of being caught <em>81 times</em>. </p> <p>Police Minister Reece Whitby laid out the astonishing numbers in WA Parliament on Tuesday, describing the evidence as “quite astonishing” and the rate of offending as “astounding”. “I cannot believe that one driver has been caught offending 81 times,” he said, no doubt wondering if that driver even knows what a road rule is.</p> <p>In total, the AI-powered cameras – apparently more observant than some humans – spotted 50,000 people misusing seatbelts, and 75,000 using phones illegally. That’s 800 offences every single day. Makes you nostalgic for the days when traffic violations were rare enough to make dinner conversation.</p> <p>Among the greatest hits caught on camera:</p> <ul> <li>A driver simultaneously drinking beer and using a mobile phone, while forgoing the inconvenience of a seatbelt.</li> <li>A motorist smoking a glass pipe (yes, <em>that</em> kind).</li> <li>Someone literally holding a child while driving.</li> <li>A P-plater outsourcing steering duties to their passenger.</li> <li>And a personal favourite: a driver cruising with their leg casually resting on the dashboard. Perhaps auditioning for <em>Australia’s Got Lazy Limbs</em>?</li> </ul> <p>“These cameras are the most advanced in the country,” Whitby said, showing off images of offenders mid-disaster. “They capture multiple offending within the cabin of the vehicle.” Unfortunately, they can’t yet capture common sense.</p> <p>The Road Safety Commission backed the rollout, noting other states had seen massive behavioural shifts after similar tech went live. “Queensland saw nearly a 75 per cent drop-off in the first months after it introduced similar cameras,” said Commissioner Adrian Warner. “We are hopeful… there will be a significant shift in behaviour.”</p> <p>One could argue that shift should probably start before you're caught 50 times.</p> <p>For now, the cameras are still in “trial mode”, meaning over 44,000 caution letters have been issued instead of fines. But come October, the real fun begins – and by fun, we mean fines. A lot of them.</p> <p>“If this continues at the rate we’ve seen, we are going to see revenue roll in like we’ve never seen it before,” Whitby warned, “and I’ll be gladly spending it on more safety measures.”</p> <p>Translation: keep it up, and we’ll have gold-plated speed bumps and diamond-studded seatbelt reminders in no time.</p> <p>So buckle up (correctly), put the phone down, and maybe – just maybe – don’t smoke anything while driving. WA’s new cameras are watching, and frankly, they’ve seen enough.</p> <p><em>Images: WA Govt / Road Safety Commission</em></p>

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"Bewildering" Titanic stunt on freeway hits an iceberg of fines

<p>A car passenger and driver in Victoria’s alpine region have been fined around $1200 and slapped with three demerit points for recreating one of cinema’s most iconic – and, as it turns out, most impractical –  moments.</p> <p>The incident unfolded on Mount Buller Road in Merrijig, where highway patrol officers conducting routine speed checks witnessed a scene straight out of <em>Titanic – </em>minus the ocean, romance and, thankfully, icebergs. A Jeep allegedly hurtled along at 100km/h while a woman stood tall through its sunroof, arms flung wide in the classic “I’m flying” pose. Because nothing says I'm the king of the world like risking your head on a country road.</p> <p>“Her arms were spread wide in the air as the Jeep was travelling,” Victoria Police reported, as they no doubt resisted the urge to cue Celine Dion’s greatest hit over the radio.</p> <p>But if the woman was hoping to channel Jack and Rose, the only heart that went on belonged to the officer who wrote up the fine. According to police, while <em>Titanic</em> references “immediately came to mind”, they “couldn’t hear a cry of ‘I’m the King of The World’ and instead believed the passenger likely had some other words” when she realised she was pulling the stunt right past a fully marked police car.</p> <p><a href="https://www.police.vic.gov.au/titanic-fines-high-country-driving-stunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In a statement</a> that proved the force’s sense of humour was unsinkable, Victoria Police confirmed:</p> <p>“Near, far, wherever you are… police are out and about on the roads. The vehicle was intercepted and officers were quick to draw up some fines like one of those French girls.”</p> <p>The passenger received a $600 slap on the wrist for her starring role, while the driver, who apparently thought this was a great idea, scored a matching $600 in fines and three demerit points for aiding and abetting the floating fantasy.</p> <p>Police reminded the public that, while <em>Titanic</em> may have had a tragic ending, this roadside reenactment could have gone just as badly – without the benefit of a box-office record or Academy Awards to show for it.</p> <p>So next time you’re tempted to turn your Jeep into the <em>RMS Titanic</em>, remember: the only thing that’ll be going down is your bank balance.</p> <p><em>Images: Victoria Police</em></p>

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Council to refund up to $12m in parking fines after 12-year error

<p>Drivers across Melbourne’s inner north are set to be refunded millions of dollars in parking fines after Merri-bek City Council admitted to overcharging motorists for more than a decade due to an administrative blunder.</p> <p>The council, formerly known as Moreland, revealed this week it had incorrectly issued parking fines worth up to $12 million between July 1, 2013 and June 11, 2025. Around 248,000 infringements are believed to be affected, with individual refunds ranging from $43 to $59 depending on when the fine was issued.</p> <p>The error stemmed from the council charging 0.5 penalty units for certain parking violations – without having the necessary resolution in place. Under Victorian law, in the absence of a formal resolution, the maximum charge should have been 0.2 penalty units.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, it has recently been discovered that there was no resolution in place setting this value,” the council said in a statement. “This was due to an administrative error in 2013, which has not been identified until recently.”</p> <p>The fines in question relate primarily to overstaying time limits in “green sign zones” and other minor parking infringements. The 11 affected offence types include failing to park at the correct angle, parking outside a marked bay, or stopping in designated motorbike or bicycle parking areas.</p> <p>Merri-bek City Council chief executive officer Cathy Henderson apologised for the long-standing oversight.</p> <p>“Today’s announcement reflects Merri-bek City Council’s commitment to integrity, transparency and fairness. Now that we have found the mistake, we are fixing it,” she said. “This is a regrettable historical administrative error, and we apologise for the impact of the overcharge.”</p> <p>Henderson emphasised that parking fines are reinvested into community services and facilities, and that parking controls remain necessary to ensure fair access to limited spaces.</p> <p>The council will launch a Parking Fines Refund Scheme in July, offering affected motorists 12 months to apply for a refund. Fines Victoria has confirmed it will place impacted outstanding fines on hold during this process, suspending enforcement action and additional fees.</p> <p>“Fines Victoria will continue to work with Merri-bek City Council as they take action to resolve this matter,” the agency said in an online statement.</p> <p>Drivers keen to find out if they are eligible for a refund can <a href="https://www.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/my-council/news-and-publications/news/parking-fines-refund-scheme/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">visit the Merri-bek City Council website</a> for further details.</p> <p><em>Image: Merri-bek City Council</em></p>

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"Repeat offenders": New cameras rake in $30 million in just six months

<p>South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras have netted more than $30 million in fines in just six months, revealing a staggering level of distracted driving despite a prior grace period.</p> <p>Since the cameras were officially activated on September 19, 2024, police have issued 46,476 fines to motorists caught using their phones behind the wheel. That’s an average of 200 people a day being caught – a drop from the 350 daily detected during the initial warning phase.</p> <p>During the three-month trial period following their mid-2024 introduction, the high-tech cameras sent out 64,454 warning letters. But once enforcement began, authorities wasted no time. In the first three months alone, 28,120 expiation notices were issued. The number dipped slightly in the next quarter, with just over 18,000 further infringements recorded.</p> <p>Superintendent Shane Johnson said while the declining numbers were a positive sign, the prevalence of repeat offenders remained troubling. “The number of repeat offenders has been disappointing, and police continue to investigate these offences,” he said. “Some registered owners have been issued with over 20. That is absolutely a serious concern for us.”</p> <p>Among the most alarming cases was one registered driver who racked up an astonishing 41 fines. In total, 308 drivers received four or more fines during the six-month period.</p> <p>South Australia's Police Minister Stephen Mullighan described the level of mobile phone use among drivers as “unacceptably high” but said the figures highlight the effectiveness of the detection technology.</p> <p>Motorists caught by the cameras face a $556 penalty, a $102 Victims of Crime Levy, and three demerit points. And while South Australia is pushing ahead – with two more detection cameras soon to be deployed – authorities have yet to reveal their locations.</p> <p>However, officials also cautioned that collecting the fines is another challenge altogether. In Queensland, for example, $160 million in seatbelt and mobile phone fines remains unpaid.</p> <p>SA Police used the release of the new data to remind drivers just how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road – even briefly. “Being distracted by a mobile for two seconds at 60 kilometres an hour means a driver travels 33 metres without their eyes on the road,” a police spokesperson said. “At 100 kilometres an hour, that distance increases to 55 metres.”</p> <p>With enforcement ramping up and new cameras on the way, authorities hope the downward trend continues – and that more drivers will finally put the phone down.</p> <p><em>Images: SA Police</em></p>

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Woman cops $806 fine for camping in her own driveway

<p>Here's one that will have legal scholars scratching their heads and homeowners clutching their deeds: Gold Coast resident Belinda Hunt has been fined $806 for the heinous crime of catching some shut-eye in her own driveway.</p> <p>Yep, that's right. Sleeping. In a van. On her own land.</p> <p>Belinda, a forward-thinking Aussie simply trying to save some cash while waiting for her new home to be built, found herself on the wrong side of the law when police and a council ranger came knocking on her van door at 1:30am. Their concern? That she was a homeless person illegally camping on public property.</p> <p>Never mind the minor detail that her driveway is, in fact, private property.</p> <p>"I pointed out the address on my driver's licence is the same as my property and also told them to check my registration details... they could clearly see that I owned the property," Belinda recounted to her (for now) 8,904 followers, presumably while resisting the urge to hand them a map and a magnifying glass.</p> <p>The authorities, unfazed by logic, proceeded to issue her a fine for "unlawful camping in a public place", despite the glaringly obvious fact that she was neither in a public place nor engaging in anything particularly unlawful. Unless, of course, getting a good night’s rest is now considered an offence in Queensland.</p> <p>Adding insult to injury, Belinda was reportedly advised to "present to the Department of Housing"– a stunning suggestion, considering she was already standing on the land where her future house would soon exist.</p> <p>"They spoke to me as if I was a criminal and doing something wrong. He [the police officer] said that it is illegal to reside in a vehicle on the Gold Coast," she said, undoubtedly wondering if the same law applied to cars parked at McDonald's drive-throughs at 2am.</p> <p>Belinda, understandably rattled by the experience, plans to fight the fine. But in the meantime, her case raises some troubling questions: Is it now illegal to camp in one’s own driveway? Should homeowners fear being charged with "loitering" in their backyards? And, most importantly, does the Gold Coast Council intend to start issuing fines for illegal napping?</p> <p>Authorities claim such regulations are necessary to kerb an increase in illegal camping, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. But as Belinda’s case proves, there’s a fine line between cracking down on rogue campers and charging hardworking Aussies for existing on their own land.</p> <p>For now, residents of the Gold Coast are advised to sleep with one eye open – preferably inside a house, lest they fall victim to the long arm of the camping law.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

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Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

<p>If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car?</p> <p>In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title.</p> <p>A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule.</p> <p>"They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice.</p> <p>SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin.</p> <p>The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint.</p> <p>But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability.</p> <p>While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

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Drivers warned of new fines ahead of major change to speeding cameras

<p>Transport officials in New South Wales are set to expand the use of average speed cameras beyond heavy vehicles to include all motorists. This initiative, which will take effect on May 1, is aimed at curbing the rising number of road fatalities across the state.</p> <p>Currently, average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, are used to only monitor heavy vehicles. However, cameras along two major highways – a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes, and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – will soon track the speeds of all vehicles, according to Transport for NSW.</p> <p>These locations have been identified as high-risk crash zones. The implementation follows a steady rise in road fatalities across Australia in recent years, prompting authorities to take stronger measures against speeding.</p> <p>Unlike traditional speed cameras that capture speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure a vehicle's speed over a set distance. By recording the time a vehicle passes through two fixed points, authorities can determine whether the vehicle exceeded the legal speed limit along that stretch. This method discourages drivers from merely slowing down for fixed cameras before speeding up again.</p> <p>NSW imposes significant penalties for speeding, with fines varying based on the severity of the offence. Light vehicle drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, offenders risk a minimum six-month licence disqualification.</p> <p>To ease the transition, the new enforcement system will undergo a two-month trial period. From May 1 to June 30, motorists caught exceeding speed limits in the designated areas will receive warning letters rather than fines. However, starting July 1, full penalties, including fines and demerit points, will apply.</p> <p>Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) spoke recently about the need for more urgent measures to minimise road trauma. She has advocated for broader road safety initiatives, including speed cameras and reduced speed limits in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity.</p> <p>NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, also reinforced the importance of the initiative, citing global studies that show average speed cameras significantly reduce road injuries and fatalities. "We know that speed remains our biggest killer on the road, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade," he stated.</p> <p>The government aims to ensure motorists are well-informed about the changes. All affected locations will feature warning signs, and a community awareness campaign will support the transition.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Australia’s largest super fund fined $27 million

<p>Australia's largest superannuation fund has been charged a whopping $27 million for charging duplicate fees to tens of thousands of customers. </p> <p>AustralianSuper was first sued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in 2023. </p> <p>During the investigation, it was discovered that more than 48,000 members’ accounts were not merged in their best interests, allowing duplicate fees to eat in to the retirement savings of hard-working Aussies. </p> <p>About 90,000 AustralianSuper members were affected between July 2013 and March 2023, costing them $69 million.</p> <p>Both ASIC and AustralianSuper appeared in the Federal Court at Melbourne on Friday, where Justice Lisa Hespe handed down her decision.</p> <p>AustralianSuper were fined $27 million, and were also ordered to pay ASIC’s legal costs up to $500,000.</p> <p>“By failing to properly remediate that beneficiary, AustralianSuper did not exercise in relation to the interests of that beneficiary the same degree of skill, care and diligence as a prudent superannuation trustee would have exercised,” Justice Lisa Hespe ruled.</p> <p>AustralianSuper apologised to members when the lawsuit began, saying it regretted that its processes to identify and combine multiple accounts did not cover all instances of multiple member accounts.</p> <p>In a statement after the hearing, AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said they had taken steps to prevent similar mistakes. </p> <p>“We found this mistake, we reported it, we apologised to impacted members, we compensated them, and we’ve improved our processes to prevent this happening again,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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Little-known road markings implemented to made roads safer

<p>Aussie drivers could see a nationwide roll out of new road markings in an effort to improve road safety. </p> <p>While authorities continue to try to curb the number of people dying and being seriously injured on roads, many motorists have grown frustrated with state governments over the constant threat of hefty fines and the loss of demerit points. </p> <p>Authorities are now looking at alternative approaches to help reach the ambitious goal of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050, without further over-saturating roads with camera detectors. </p> <p>One new initiative, which is currently being trialed in Adelaide, is the introduction of new road markings  intended to quickly grab the attention of drivers and alert them to a change up ahead without the threat of a fine or loss of demerit points.</p> <p>Known as 'dragon's teeth', the three-dimensional road markings are meant to "increase driver attention and create a sense of warning," leading road safety scientist at the University of Adelaide Mario Mongiardini told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-warned-as-little-known-road-markings-could-be-rolled-out-across-australia-003513352.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a>.</p> <p>If successful, the markings could be seen across the country, because they can be implemented "cheaply and quickly" by state authorities.</p> <p>The road markings, which are made of thermoplastic, are easy for councils and road authorities to implement and are designed to be durable and offer friction and grip for cyclists and motorcyclists.</p> <p>Mongiardini said inspiration for the markings came from Singapore, where they have adopted similar tactics. </p> <p>"They noticed drivers started to become much more compliant," Mario explained. "So that is one source of inspiration."</p> <p>Adelaide is not the only place they exist in Australia, with RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches, explaining "similar markings, without the 3D effect are used at school zones in other states such as NSW, where they indicate to drivers that there is an elevated risk and lower speeds may be more appropriate."</p> <p>Dr Chris Stokes, another researcher at the University of Adelaide, warned that the markings must be part of a multifaceted approach to road safety, with this specific road treatment thought to only work effectively if they're used sparingly.</p> <p>"You can't expect to have them around every corner, if that happens, people will quickly lose trust in the system," he explained. "They are not to be used where the environment speaks for itself."</p> <p>The markings are supposed to be used as a "complimentary" tactic, to work in tandem with reduced speed limits and changing the texture of roads too.</p> <p>"Hopefully if it's successful you may see them in some areas of Australia," Mongiardini said, but "don’t expect to see them all over the road, only where they are needed."</p> <p><em>Image credits: RAA</em></p>

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Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

<p>An Aussie driver who copped a $410 fine and three demerit points after their passenger made a common seatbelt move has revealed how they argued his way out of the ticket. </p> <p>Numerous motorists have been fined in recent weeks over the little-known road rule, where the driver could be penalised if a passenger reclines their seat too far back. </p> <p>Aussie lawyer Hayder Shkara argued that the rule is  "step too far" as well-rested passengers can help curb the growing rate of fatalities by taking over from fatigued drivers on long car trips.</p> <p>Shkara shared the story of how one of his followers had successfully overturned the seatbelt fine and demerit points on social media. </p> <p>"He applied for a review with the police, and he actually got approved," Shkara said.</p> <p>"In his review he focused on the fact that car manufacturers were allowed to import these vehicles with the ability to recline in the first place, and that if there was an actual issue with the vehicle in terms of its design, it should have been stopped at the importation basis.</p> <p>"[He] said to the police that they were practicing safe driving protocols by changing drivers and making sure that one driver was rested and at police actually withdrew the fine. He didn't have to pay anything, and he didn't get any demerit points."</p> <p>Shkara told<em> Yahoo</em> that "normally applications for review in traffic offences are extremely difficult to be successful in and there is a low margin of success." </p> <p>"What is the purpose of seat belts? It is for driver and passenger safety. But we all know that fatigue is a big problem for drivers, so if drivers are switching in and out, I believe that the safer thing to do is for one driver to have proper rest so they can continue to drive safely."</p> <p>He said he would also encourage others who receive a fine for the same offence to try and appeal their case, as the "review doesn't require you to pay any legal fees and it is worth a shot."</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Centre for Road Safety/ TikTok</em></p>

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Aussie bloke's hilarious revenge on parking inspectors

<p>An Aussie bloke has taken a devious revenge plan to the next level as he aims to even the score between him and parking inspectors. </p> <p>Julian Morgans, who is no stranger to receiving an influx of parking fines, decided to take a unique approach to revenge, giving new meaning to the phrase "if you can't beat them, join them".</p> <p>The man decided to play the ultimate prank on the parking inspectors by applying for a job to take up the role himself, documenting his plan on Instagram. </p> <p>"So, I get parking fines all the time, and I'm sick of it, so recently I decided to get revenge," he said in a video. </p> <p>"I started by applying for a job as a parking inspector and I went for an interview."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFBt711zWh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFBt711zWh8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @julianmorgans</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He got a call back from the recruiter saying they were happy with what he had to offer and gave him the job, but on day one of his new role, he set his devious plan in motion. </p> <p>"So, I went in on my first day, Monday morning, 9am, and they gave us our parking inspector uniform and this, for me, was the perfect opportunity to slip away and go to the pub," he said. "So, there I was. I'm at the pub, on the clock and they're paying me."</p> <p>"I'm in my parking inspector uniform and I'm just drinking beers and I played some pool, hung around and got a little drunk and I had a great time."</p> <p>He then mentioned that, later on, he received a call from his new employer to check in on how he was coping. </p> <p>"So, my phone just rang and it's the parking inspector office and I think they're wondering where I am, and I wasted a full day of their money," he said.</p> <p>He told his boss that he was quitting after his first day, expecting the boss to be angry since he hadn’t issued any parking fines, but was met with a very different reaction.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL6A3Lza5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFL6A3Lza5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @julianmorgans</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"I don't want to do the job, I'm sorry," he said, while his new employer responded, "No, that's OK, that's fine, buddy, that's up to you."</p> <p>The employer continued with some words of advice, saying, "You'll be fine. Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll succeed because that's what you're meant to do. I wish you all the best, bud, and thanks for letting me know."</p> <p>Mr Morgans was shocked about how "cool" his boss was with him quitting after producing no work on day one, and in a matter of minutes changed his tune on parking inspectors. </p> <p>"I wanted him to be angry here, I wanted him to validate the whole thing. Instead, he was just kind of lovely," Mr Morgans said. </p> <p>"I think I'm surprised here because I've always thought of parking inspectors as just total animals. I was surprised to find that in an industry that I absolutely hate, some of the people are kind of lovely."</p> <p>While many flocked to the comments to share how funny they thought his day-long prank was, others were much more critical. </p> <p>"Do you give a crap about all the time of the employees of government you wasted?" one person wrote, while another added, "Here's a tip, just follow rules? There are limits on parking for a reason. Do you deserve to park somewhere all day more than anyone else?"</p> <p>Mr Morgans didn't argue back and, on reflection, acknowledged his emotions got the better of him as he planned the prank.</p> <p>"Very fair feedback. I knew it wasn't a morally perfect stunt but I got my car towed a few months ago and got mad. This was my divisive but cathartic response," he said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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Aussie drivers warned over little-known "speed fine trap"

<p>Road authorities are warning drivers of a "speed fine trap" in the lead-up to school's return. </p> <p>In NSW, four back-to-back pupil free days will take place from February 1 until February 5, as teachers and staff prep for the new school year, with students set to return on the 6th. </p> <p>While there will be no kids on campus, school zones will be in operation on those days, with speed limits being enforced. </p> <p>"Pupil-free days continue to be a major speed trap for motorists," NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. </p> <p>Last year, 2,184 fines for speeding were issued to drivers in just two days prior to term one. </p> <p>An average of 1,092 fines were issued between January 30 and 31 in 2024, which was almost double the daily average for February (598). </p> <p>Khoury added that motorists are at risk of being fined at almost twice the rate during pupil-free days, as most drivers are "oblivious" to the rule. </p> <p>"It is extremely frustrating when drivers who normally abide by the 40 km/h speed limit in school zones are fined on pupil-free days because they were oblivious to the fact that the speed limits applied despite their children not being at school," he said. </p> <p>"The overwhelming majority of drivers go to great lengths to do the right thing around school zones and school zone speed limits have overwhelming public support — we just don’t want people inadvertently breaking the law and getting fined."</p> <p>He added: "Please be extra alert tomorrow as you drive through school zones as speed limits will apply." </p> <p>The number of pupil free days will increase from six days in 2024 to eight days in 2025. This includes the four pupil-free days on January 31 and February 3, 4 and 5.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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“Lesson learnt”: Expat fined for parking mistake

<p>A British expat has copped a hefty fine after going against a "common sense" road rule.</p> <p>The man had just moved to Sydney and was visiting the famous beaches in Shoalhaven, NSW when he copped a $200 fine for parking on the wrong  side of the road, facing against the direction of traffic flow.</p> <p>“Never heard of this before. It didn’t say anything about no parking and I’ve come back, and I’ve got a ticket, ” he said n the video posted on social media. </p> <p>While it is an offence in Australia, in the UK the parking technique is permitted, except at night. </p> <p>“Lesson learnt,” he ended his clip.</p> <p>The video received a lot of comments, with one asking the obvious question: “Didn’t you see what the other cars were doing?”</p> <p>Another added: “If the cars are all facing the one way, park that way. Why would you park facing the wrong way then all the other cars are facing the other way?” </p> <p>“Wasn’t it obvious?” a different person questioned.</p> <p> </p> <div class="embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important; width: 535px;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7462819112226540833&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40archoz_2025%2Fvideo%2F7462819112226540833&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-useast2a.tiktokcdn.com%2Ftos-useast2a-p-0037-euttp%2FogAIQEeARJOEnAQfRA5kCUnTbHGDECF1PRWDjH%7Etplv-dmt-logom%3Atos-useast2a-i-0068-euttp%2Fo0nbEYRzCBSwQAAwr8ARPoEAiB5iZIQdj0FCv.image%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26x-expires%3D1737849600%26x-signature%3DbzHLO2CQeaQN%252BZr1Nmm%252Fw5t8q1A%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>Others told him that it was just "common sense" but he insisted that everyone in the UK parks in different directions” despite also driving on the left-hand side of the road.</p> <p>A few people explained why they think the rule exists. </p> <p>“I think it’s because to get out of that park you would have to drive into oncoming traffic,” one user suggested. “Maybe in the UK your lanes are small and this would be okay but 99 per cent of our roads are wide and this is not needed.”</p> <p>“And to get into that park in the first place, you have to drive on the wrong side,” another person pointed out.</p> <p>Some British commenters could relate to the man's mistake, saying:  “I’ve been caught out doing this too,” and “It did my head in when I first moved here!”</p> <p>The penalty for parking in the wrong direction of travel can reach up to 257, and in school zones, this fine can increase to $330 plus two demerit points.</p> <p><em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: TikTok</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Warning issued as drivers flout school zone rules

<p>Motorists have confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas, a new study has revealed. </p> <p>The study released by insurer AAMI on Wednesday, found that 56 per cent of primary school children in NSW are now driven or accompanied to and from school by an adult.</p> <p>Only 37 per cent of parents allow their children to travel to school independently or with peers, a huge shift compared to previous years, where nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) regularly walked, biked, or scooted to and from school on their own.</p> <p>The main reason for this included dangerous driving behaviours by others, however, some parents have admitted to their own unsafe habits near schools. </p> <p>A quarter of the 1,000 survey respondents admitted speeding through school zones because they didn't notice signs. </p> <p>12 per cent admitted to speeding through school zones when they don't see any children around, and others admitted to being distracted by their phone. </p> <p>A further 12 per cent admitted they do not always follow school 'Drop and Go' zone rules, with over 10 per cent having double parked or stopped in the middle of the road in front of their children's school.</p> <p>As children head back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose said the "findings indicate a generational shift" in how children are commuting to and from school. </p> <p>"With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone," Rose said.</p> <p>"While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school."</p> <p>Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation added that deaths among children aged zero to seven years has increased by 54 per cent last year compared to 2023. </p> <p>"This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help," he added. </p> <p>"AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe.</p> <p>"Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times."</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Big change for new buses after Hunter Valley crash

<p>Australian buses and coaches fitted with seatbelts will soon be required to have announcements reminding people to buckle up, following the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash that killed 10 people almost two years ago. </p> <p>On Tuesday, the federal government announced that the new rule will require these vehicles to include visual and audio alerts reminding passengers to buckle up, similar to those on airplanes. </p> <p>“Travelling by bus is one of the safest forms of transport in Australia, and these new audible and visual signage requirements will ensure this continues to be the case,” federal assistant Regional Development Minister Anthony Chisholm said.</p> <p>The government also announced it had closed a loophole where some buses with seats under 1m high were exempted from requiring seatbelts. </p> <p>Under the regulations, all new bus and coach models must comply by November 1, 2026, while existing models will need to make the changes by November 1, 2027.</p> <p>“These safety outcomes further improve what is generally regarded as the most stringent seatbelt rules for buses in the world,” Bus industry confederation chair Tony Hopkins said. </p> <p>“With seat belt usage currently as low as 7 per cent on some services, this provides a simple but powerful message that reminds bus passengers to fasten a seat belt.</p> <p>“After all, if a seat belt is provided in a bus it must be worn by law.”</p> <p><em>Image: </em><em>Mino Surkala / Shutterstock.com</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Tradie fights "unfair" fine for parking across his own driveway

<p>A frustrated tradie is fighting an "unfair" fine he copped for parking in his own driveway.</p> <p>Mark Fricker, a builder from Newcastle, was photographed last September by a council camera when his ute was briefly stopped across his driveway with two wheels in the gutter of the bus zone that fronts his property.</p> <p>The man was only parked in the precarious spot for a few minutes to open the gate to his home. </p> <p>He only became aware of the alleged offence when he received a fine about 10 days later, with the penalty notice saying he was parked in a bus zone and was required to pay $320. </p> <p>The fine was generated by the council’s mobile licence plate recognition technology with cameras attached to council cars patrolling the city’s streets to monitor parking offences.</p> <p>Fricker told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/tradie-fights-unfair-320-parking-fine-after-common-driveway-act-050252102.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> the fine was ‘unfair’ and would not have been issued if a ranger was on the scene to see what was going on.</p> <p>While he attempted to take up the matter with his local council, he was referred back to Revenue NSW and felt he had no option but to contest the fine in court.</p> <p>“If it had been a person and not a car, they wouldn’t have issued the fine,” Fricker said.</p> <p>“I don’t feel an automated camera system is right. If a ranger had seen me park there, get out and open the gate, and move the car in, he wouldn’t have worried about it. He could see that I’m not a threat or danger to a bus, or passengers getting on or off, so it wouldn’t have happened."</p> <p>Fricker's dispute is just one of many to arise from the increased use of controversial ticketless parking fine systems used by councils across NSW.</p> <p>There was a 49 per cent surge in ticketless parking fines issued in NSW during the 2023-24 financial year, with revenue from ticketless fines surged to $158 million for that period, up 54 per cent on the previous year.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Newcastle Herald</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Even calm people can fly into a rage behind the wheel. Here’s how to curb your road rage – before it’s too late

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p>If someone bumps into us on the footpath or in the mall, we’re generally quite forgiving. We instinctively apologise or step aside, and usually don’t scream at, stalk, or attack the other person.</p> <p>But put us in a car, and <a href="https://x.com/Boenau/status/1755234912540459059">something changes</a>. People who appear calm in everyday life suddenly tailgate, honk, or shout at strangers. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753524002467?casa_token=76NSmREtG8MAAAAA:yFEcndOLjARRfthZMFwOQ3UmPeqgJEwSuAvkaA51rH8fA7v8RzHDamohBhf8Ai7jb3Nrp98pz4I">Problems at work</a> or home can suddenly explode in the form of righteous anger toward other road users.</p> <p>Road rage <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457523000192">increases crash risk</a>, and victims of road rage incidents often have <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">children in the car</a> with them.</p> <p>So, why does driving <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022437524000914?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">bring out the worst in us</a>? And more importantly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">what can we do about it</a>?</p> <h2>Road rage remains common</h2> <p><a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">Recent</a> <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">surveys</a> indicate road rage remains common in Australia.</p> <p>In September 2024, insurer NRMA <a href="https://www.mynrma.com.au/media/press-releases/2024/nrma-releases-worrying-road-rage-data">reported</a> a survey of 1,464 of its members in two states found many had witnessed road rage incidents such as:</p> <ul> <li>tailgating (71%)</li> <li>drivers beeping other drivers (67%)</li> <li>drivers gesturing angrily at other drivers (60%)</li> <li>drivers deliberately cutting in front of other vehicles (58%)</li> <li>drivers getting out of their car to confront to confront another driver (14%)</li> <li>stalking (10%)</li> <li>physical assault (4%).</li> </ul> <p>Another insurer, Budget Direct, <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/road-rage-study.html">reported</a> last year on a survey of 825 people that found about 83% had experienced shouting, cursing, or rude gestures from other people on the road (up by 18% since 2021).</p> <p>And of the female respondents, 87% reported they’d copped this kind of behaviour from other road users.</p> <p>Common triggers for driver anger include tailgating, perceived rudeness (such as not giving a “thank you” wave), and witnessing another person driving dangerously.</p> <p>Aggressive driving behaviours tend to be more common in <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.031918298391749">younger, male drivers</a>.</p> <p>Road rage is a global problem, with studies finding road rage remains common in places such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457509002012?casa_token=G4nhNdF3olAAAAAA:8tdP0GyMiwN4_n4fekvQB-EiUSLa8Q2sgbpMhfUNWh0w9YqeiWft1aPY2ZSFLngcSFZAHfMOQhA">Japan</a>, the <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/nearly-80-percent-of-drivers-express-significant-anger-aggression-or-road-rage/">US</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847805000884">New Zealand</a> and the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369847898000096">UK</a>, but the degree varies significantly from country to country.</p> <h2>Who is more likely to fly into a rage on the road?</h2> <p>Some of us are more likely than others to fly into a rage while driving. One way researchers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722">measure</a> this is via a testing tool known as the <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/rokada/psyctest/driving.pdf">Driving Anger Scale</a>.</p> <p>Data from many studies using this test show drivers who are more prone to anger in general are <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/driving-anger-as-a-psychological-construct-twenty-years-of-resear">more likely to turn that anger into aggression</a>. They get annoyed by more things, are quicker to act on their feelings, take more risks, and as a result, are more likely to be involved in anger-related crashes.</p> <p>Research suggests that while female drivers experience anger just as much as male drivers, they are less likely to act on it in a <a href="https://www.turkpsikiyatri.com/PDF/C18S3/en/angerExpression.pdf">negative way</a>.</p> <p>Female drivers tend to feel more intense anger in certain situations, such as when <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001722#f0010">faced with hostile gestures or traffic obstructions</a>, compared to their male counterparts.</p> <h2>What can I do to reduce my road rage?</h2> <p>In a car, we’re physically separated from others, which creates a sense of distance and anonymity – two factors that lower our usual social filters. Encounters feel fleeting.</p> <p>There’s a good chance you won’t be held accountable for what you or say or do, compared to if you were outside the car. And yet, we perceive the stakes as high because mistakes or bad decisions on the road can have serious consequences.</p> <p>This mix of isolation, stress, and the illusion of being in a bubble is a perfect recipe for heightened frustration and anger.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457521001755?dgcid=raven_sd_recommender_email">Research</a> suggests techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy may help.</p> <p>These include learning to identify when you are starting to feel angry, trying to find alternative explanations for other people’s behaviour, using mindfulness and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001758">relaxation</a> and trying to move away from the trigger.</p> <p>The American Automobile Association also <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Road-Rage-Brochure.pdf">suggests</a> you can reduce road rage incidents by being a more considerate driver yourself – always use your indicator, avoid cutting others off and maintain a safe distance from other cars.</p> <p>Try to stay calm when other drivers are angry, and allow extra time in your journey to reduce stress.</p> <p>If driving anger is a frequent issue, consider seeking support or <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anger-management">anger management resources</a>.</p> <p>Avoiding — or at least being aware of — <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847821002667">anger rumination</a> can make a big difference. This happens when someone replays anger-inducing events, like being cut off in traffic, over and over in their mind. Instead of letting it go, they dwell on it, fuelling their frustration and making it harder to stay calm.</p> <p>Recognising this pattern and shifting focus — like taking a deep breath or distracting yourself — can help stop anger from escalating into aggression.</p> <p>More broadly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the link between anger and risky driving could also encourage more drivers to seek help.</p> <p>The next time you get behind the wheel, try to remember the other driver, the cyclist, or pedestrian is just another person — someone you might pass on the street without a second thought.</p> <p>We’re often good at forgiving minor missteps in non-driving contexts. Let’s try to bring that same patience and understanding to the road.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244402/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/milad-haghani-1454675">Milad Haghani</a>, Senior Lecturer of Urban Risk &amp; Resilience, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-calm-people-can-fly-into-a-rage-behind-the-wheel-heres-how-to-curb-your-road-rage-before-its-too-late-244402">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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New road initiatives rolling out this year

<p>Several new road initiatives are set to be introduced this year, as government plans to trial out new technology in 2025. </p> <p>From wireless solar powered signs advising motorists of new hazards to in-road pods that collect data on traffic volume and speed, these initiatives will be trialled on regional roads as part of the NSW government's $5 million Smarter Highways program. </p> <p>Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the road, which will activate the Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environment Systems (SHAVES) to warn drivers about hazards. </p> <p>The system will have self-adaptive electronic signage which will be able to predict events and advise motorist, including bad weather and animals approaching the road. </p> <p>The signs will communicate with each other using localised radio communications. </p> <p>The NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison said that the introduction of the technology aims to "reduce risky driving actions such as not driving to the conditions". </p> <p>They are also trialling a new in-road 4G traffic counter device which can detect and provide info on vehicle volumes, speeds,  road temperatures and system health among other information in real time. </p> <p>It is being trialled on the Great Western Highway at Kelso and the Newell Highway at Dubbo, with its use particularly important for the start and end of holidays and during special events. </p> <p>“The more information you can give to the motoring public about an incident early, the better,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told <em>Yahoo News</em>.</p> <p>“We’ve always said more needs to be done to alert people earlier when there is an incident. It gives them the time they need to make a judgement on whether they need to proceed along a different route, or delay their journey”.</p> <p>The NRMA supports the trials and introduction of the new technology, with Khoury saying: "the more we are relying on new technology to make our roads more efficient and safer, the better the outcome for the public.”</p> <p><strong>Here are the five Smarter Highways trials this year </strong></p> <p><strong>1.  Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)</strong>- Self-adaptive electronic signage able to predict events and advise motorists of hazards.</p> <p><strong>2. Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer</strong> - 4G powered devices in the road to provide data on traffic volumes, vehicle speeds and other issues. </p> <p><strong>3. Rural Intersection Activated Warning System</strong> - Road sensors advise motorists through Variable Speed Limit signs of a slow and large vehicle entering from a side road.</p> <p><strong>4. Improved local area traffic management during major disruptions</strong></p> <p><strong>5. Permanent Congestion Management</strong> - Using radars and traffic signals to manage traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Govt</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Samantha Murphy's accused killer fined over driving offences

<p>The man accused with murdering Samantha Murphy has been fined and convicted for driving offences in the months before the Ballarat mother's disappearance. </p> <p>Patrick Stephenson has been ordered to pay $2,500 over a crash that occurred in October 2023 when the man was under the influence of drugs. </p> <p>The son of ex-AFL footballer Orren Stephenson was riding his motorcycle home after attending a party to celebrate the grand final when he came off it about 1.42am, the court was told.</p> <p>Police found Stephenson lying in the middle of Armstrong Street South in Ballarat, with his black Kawasaki on its side in the service lane.</p> <p>"The motorcycle has slid out from underneath the accused, which had ejected the accused from the motorcycle," the prosecutor told the court.</p> <p>"Police had difficulty communicating with the accused due to his current state of intoxication."</p> <p>His blood was analysed and he tested positive to MDMA, with a blood alcohol reading of 0.148.</p> <p>Stephenson pleaded guilty to drug, drink and careless driving, with two other charges struck out.</p> <p>He has separately been committed to stand trial for the murder of missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy, after pleading not guilty to the offence in November.</p> <p>Mr Stephenson was charged with Samantha's murder in March, just weeks after the 51-year-old went missing after leaving home for a morning run on February 4th. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Supplied / Facebook</em></p>

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