Calls for stricter penalties rise in response to alarming driving incidents
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In a world where the safety of our children should be paramount, it's shocking to think that some drivers would take risks that could endanger the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.
But as we all know, only some people exercise the caution and responsibility they should when behind the wheel.
This is why a new proposal in South Australia aims to make drivers think twice before engaging in reckless behaviour, especially when children are in the vehicle.
The proposed legislation, which is set to be introduced this week, is a response to a series of alarming incidents that have prompted calls for stricter penalties for drivers who put children's lives at risk.
Independent MLC Frank Pangallo is spearheading the initiative, which could see motorists found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are in the car facing up to three years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
'Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and driving like a moron while there are kids in the car,' Mr Pangallo expressed.
‘Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle.’
‘I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.’
The push for stricter laws comes in the wake of several disturbing incidents.
One such event involved a horror crash on Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North, where an eight-year-old child narrowly escaped with their life.
The driver, a 40-year-old man, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a dramatic accident that was caught on camera.
‘I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,’ Mr Pangallo exclaimed.
‘I hope they throw the book at that driver.’
Witnesses were seen frantically pulling a small child from the overturned car.
In another case, a woman was pulled over for allegedly using her mobile phone while driving and was found to have a blood alcohol level six times the legal limit, with two children under 16 in the car.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has supported the proposed changes, stating, 'I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not.'
‘I think that’s a reasonable principle.’
This principle reflects a growing consensus that adults have a duty of care to protect children from harm, and that duty extends to the driving seat.
The call for harsher penalties isn't unique to South Australia.
In New South Wales, there have been similar demands following the tragic deaths of two children in a hit-and-run incident in Sydney.
The community's outcry, including a petition with 20,000 signatures, demonstrated a collective desire for change and accountability.
In other news, an Australian driver faced a $3,900 fine and a court appearance for offences such as evading police and driving without a license.
The Queensland man recorded disregarding a police officer who stopped him for operating an unregistered vehicle. You can read more about it here.
What are your thoughts on the proposed penalties for drivers who endanger children? Have you witnessed any driving behaviours that have concerned you? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
But as we all know, only some people exercise the caution and responsibility they should when behind the wheel.
This is why a new proposal in South Australia aims to make drivers think twice before engaging in reckless behaviour, especially when children are in the vehicle.
The proposed legislation, which is set to be introduced this week, is a response to a series of alarming incidents that have prompted calls for stricter penalties for drivers who put children's lives at risk.
Independent MLC Frank Pangallo is spearheading the initiative, which could see motorists found guilty of aggravated driving offences while children under 16 are in the car facing up to three years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
Frank Pangallo proposed tougher penalties for drivers endangering children under 16. Credit: Shutterstock
'Like most people in the community, I am deeply alarmed at the number of thoughtless people who have no qualms about getting behind the wheel of a car and driving like a moron while there are kids in the car,' Mr Pangallo expressed.
‘Not only are they putting their own lives at risk, but far more critically, the lives of innocent children in the vehicle.’
‘I have spoken to a number of senior police who are astounded by the stupidity of these drivers who have absolutely no consideration for the dangers they are placing those children in.’
The push for stricter laws comes in the wake of several disturbing incidents.
One such event involved a horror crash on Woodford Rd, Elizabeth North, where an eight-year-old child narrowly escaped with their life.
The driver, a 40-year-old man, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a dramatic accident that was caught on camera.
‘I would describe that driver as being an irresponsible moron,’ Mr Pangallo exclaimed.
‘I hope they throw the book at that driver.’
Witnesses were seen frantically pulling a small child from the overturned car.
In another case, a woman was pulled over for allegedly using her mobile phone while driving and was found to have a blood alcohol level six times the legal limit, with two children under 16 in the car.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has supported the proposed changes, stating, 'I think it is perfectly reasonable for the law to discriminate between offenders who have children in the car or not.'
‘I think that’s a reasonable principle.’
This principle reflects a growing consensus that adults have a duty of care to protect children from harm, and that duty extends to the driving seat.
The call for harsher penalties isn't unique to South Australia.
In New South Wales, there have been similar demands following the tragic deaths of two children in a hit-and-run incident in Sydney.
The community's outcry, including a petition with 20,000 signatures, demonstrated a collective desire for change and accountability.
In other news, an Australian driver faced a $3,900 fine and a court appearance for offences such as evading police and driving without a license.
The Queensland man recorded disregarding a police officer who stopped him for operating an unregistered vehicle. You can read more about it here.
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