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Police share wild seatbelt pic after fining driver for bizarre DIY fix

<p>A driver has copped a $387 fine over their bizarre seatbelt fix during a random stationary test at Richmond in Sydney's northwest. </p> <p>A photo shared by NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol showed the shocking state of the driver's seatbelt, which was tattered and held together by duct tape. </p> <p>The police department have warned other drivers to make sure their seatbelts are in good condition, otherwise they too might cop a fine and demerit points.</p> <p>"Seatbelts help to save lives, except for this one...."  they wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. </p> <p>"Hawkesbury Highway Patrol were recently conducting random stationary testing on Londonderry Road at Richmond when they spoke with a driver about his seatbelt.</p> <p> "Not only was the seatbelt not being worn, an inspection of the seatbelt found it to be dangerously defective," they added. </p> <p>"He was issued a defect notice and infringement in the amount of $387 and three demerit points. Please ensure your seatbelts don't look like this."</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/SeatbeltNSWPolice.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>Many commenters were baffled as to how the vehicle passed the eSafety check, also known as a pink slip inspection, which is required for vehicles over five years old in NSW to be deemed roadworthy. </p> <p>"And who passed the Pink Slip? That’s where I’d be heading,"  one wrote. </p> <p>"I wonder who did the rego check on this vehicle," another added. </p> <p>"How does it even get to that stage," a third questioned, while others agreed that the seatbelt was no longer safe. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty / Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, NSW Police Force</em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

<p>Brett Andrew Button, 59, who allegedly caused a fatal bus crash that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/hunter-valley-bus-driver-hit-with-new-charges" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed 10 people</a> and injured 25 others has broken his silence over the incident for the first time.</p> <p>Button appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday as he faces almost 90 charges associated with the horror crash. </p> <p>In a statement read by his lawyer, Chris O’Brien, Button said that there was “not a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened that night”.</p> <p>“There isn’t an hour that goes by that I’m not thinking of the families that have been affected by the crash.</p> <p>“I truly feel for anyone involved, including the emergency services.</p> <p>“I am devastated by what has occurred and I am truly deeply sorry.”</p> <p>Button was the bus driver in charge of driving wedding guests to a Hunter Valley venue when the vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed.</p> <p>Husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott were killed in the crash and farewelled in ceremonies weeks later. </p> <p>Nadene and Kyah McBride who were among the ten wedding guests killed in the crash, were also <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/a-moving-time-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-honoured-at-aflw-grand-final" target="_blank" rel="noopener">honoured with a tribute</a> at the AFLW grand final in December. </p> <p>Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen were the other victims of the horror crash. </p> <p>Button faces 89 charges including nine counts of negligent driving occasioning death and 16 counts of driving a motor vehicle furiously doing or causing harm.</p> <p>He has not entered any pleas. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Driver fined over "six-second stop"

<p>A driver has been fined $387 for making "six-second stop" at what he thought was a 15-minute parking zone, and now he is fuming as he believes he is a victim of a cash grab.</p> <p>Sydney resident Michael was dropping off his partner in a quiet street on Darling Harbour and was shocked to receive a hefty fine and two demerit points for his quick drop-off. </p> <p>Revenue NSW reportedly told him that he had stopped within 10 metres after a crossing, which was a "serious" safety risk. </p> <p>Michael said that he was unaware he needed to pull in and believed he was allowed to stop where he did, as he was adjacent to the parking bay. </p> <p>"It's a flawed set up with the crossing being so close to the 15-minute parking," Michael told <em>Yahoo News Australia</em>.</p> <p>"If I was a metre over in the vacant bay I would have avoided the fine. But the signage is just not clear.. and that bay itself is within 10 metres of the crossing, so how does that work?"</p> <p>The photos supplied by Revenue NSW, all time-stamped 8:23am, showed Michael's vehicle in different positions of the Zollner Circuit, which he has argued is not sufficient evidence to prove that he stopped.</p> <p>The photos also showed no visible pedestrians, other than Michael's partner who had just gotten out of the car, and Michael argued that he was allowed to stop since there was the 15-minute parking sign. </p> <p>While Darling Harbour is located in the City of Sydney LGA, the area is managed by government-run Place Management NSW.</p> <p>"It is an offence to stop on or near a pedestrian crossing," a spokesperson stressed. </p> <p>Michael questioned why there was no leniency, with such a large fine particularly amid a cost-of-living crisis, but it is reportedly because those who clearly breach road laws would not be granted any. </p> <p>"There's no one around and I was there for six seconds... it just feels like someone was having a bad day and waiting to make a name for themselves," Michael argued.</p> <p><em>Images: Yahoo News Australia. </em></p>

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"It's just not fair": Driver slams council for misleading parking fine

<p>A furious motorist has taken aim at a Sydney council's parking solution that resulted in an "outrageous" and "unjustified" fine. </p> <p>Ben drives to the Campbelltown train station in South West Sydney every day for his workday commute, and has recently been forced to find alternative parking plans due to a major disruption. </p> <p>A multi-deck carpark is being built near the station to accommodate the influx of traffic, but while the site is under construction, a makeshift parking lot has been set up. </p> <p>While the new car park will add 500 parking bays when completed, residents have claimed the council has drastically reduced the number of spaces in the meantime.</p> <p>Ben told <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-parking-rules-drivers-outrage-over-tiny-detail-in-parking-fine/4cfe4d45-c311-4587-b68a-fc1d017675fc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9news.com.au</a></em> parking had become "a nightmare" since the temporary lot opened, leaving many motorists with no option but to park along the fence line. </p> <p>It's this act that saw Ben receive a $129 parking fine in the mail. </p> <p>He was outraged when he was issued a fine on February 9th for "not stand vehicle in a marked parking space" when he had no other parking option. </p> <p>"They've advertised that the temporary car park is the same amount of spaces lost during the construction, which is severely incorrect," he said.</p> <p>"I can only assume they are fining loads of drivers as that space along the fence line is always full of cars parked the same as mine was."</p> <p>Along with the fine itself, ticket inspectors supplied Ben a photo of a wordy and confusing sign located near the entrance to the lot, which only added to his frustration with the local council.</p> <p>He said while there were no marked bays along the fence line, signage was not clear enough to indicate to drivers they weren't allowed to park there.</p> <p>"I mean it's just not fair. It's a temporary gravel parking lot," he said.</p> <p>"They've created this mess and now they are targeting innocent commuters fighting to just leave their car somewhere to catch public transport into work."</p> <p>A spokesperson for Campbelltown City Council told <em>Nine News</em> they understood the construction of the new car park would "create some disruption".</p> <p>"A temporary 113-space parking lot has been opened adjacent to the existing parking lot in order to offset some of the parking loss," they said.</p> <p>The council was "actively monitoring and reviewing the current parking and signage arrangements as well as community feedback, to identify any further improvements that could be made and inform any additional community notification required".</p> <p>"While this review takes place, vehicles will only be fined where a safety risk to both other vehicles and/or pedestrians is identified," the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News</em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver hit with new charges

<p dir="ltr">The bus driver involved in the fatal crash that killed 10 people on the way to a wedding reception has been hit with new charges over the tragedy. </p> <p dir="ltr">In June 2023, Brett Andrew Button was driving the bus to a Hunter Valley venue when the vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed, killing 10 people onboard.</p> <p dir="ltr"> The 59-year-old was initially charged last year, with his charges including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death - driving in a dangerous manner and negligent driving occasioning death.</p> <p dir="ltr">On Tuesday morning, he was hit with 26 new offences, including 10 charges of manslaughter for each of the victims who died in the accident.</p> <p dir="ltr">The charges represent a significant upgrade in terms of legal severity, with Button facing a maximum of 25 years in prison for each manslaughter charge.</p> <p dir="ltr">He is also facing 16 counts of furious driving causing bodily harm, which relate to the manner in which Button was allegedly driving in the moments leading to the crash.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Button will now be facing a total of 89 charges over the incident when he returns to court on Wednesday, and is currently out on bail. </p> <p dir="ltr">In August last year, the court was told that it was clear Mr Button was “suffering” amid concerns about his mental health and wellbeing in custody.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Button has yet to enter pleas for the existing charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">The bus driver was taking wedding guests towards Singleton for the wedding reception of Mitchell Gaffney and Maddy Edsell, when he allegedly told bus passengers to “fasten your seatbelts” moments before losing control of the vehicle. </p> <p dir="ltr">Local husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott, Zachary Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn, Rebecca Mullen, Kane Symons, and mother-and daughter Naden and Kyah McBride were all killed in the crash.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

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Disabled woman slams bus driver who refused to let her onboard

<p>A disabled woman has taken aim at a bus driver who refused to let her onboard a busy bus. </p> <p>The 23-year-old, who relies on a mobility scooter, sparked an online debate after recalling how a driver wouldn't let her on the Melbourne bus, as the vehicle was filled to capacity. </p> <p>“I’m so sorry,” the driver told Anastasiia Berezikova as she tried to board the bus. </p> <p>“I can’t take you on at this stage. The next one shouldn’t be too long. The bus is full, I am only allowed to take 75 passengers. So I can’t kick them off and let you on, it would be unfair.”</p> <p>While filming the interaction, the woman asked the bus driver if he “understands there are priority seats” available for disabled people on public buses.</p> <p>“I understand, but there are other people who got on the bus before you, and I can’t kick them out,” he replied.</p> <p>Ms Berezikova claimed “able-bodied people” had been prioritised in this instance, as she addressed those on the bus and asked, “So none of the able-bodied people want to help a disabled person?”</p> <p>Posting the interaction to TikTok, Ms Berezikova was met with mixed responses from viewers, as some people sided with her, while others sided with the bus driver. </p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7303018244124708103&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40seanympha888%2Fvideo%2F7303018244124708103%3Fembed_source%3D121355059%252C121351166%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_name%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Dwww.news.com.au%252Ftechnology%252Fonline%252Fsocial%252Fdisabled-woman-slams-melbourne-bus-driver-who-would-not-let-her-on-full-bus%252Fnews-story%252F085b4e9e53cb14a0e4b7e7709dfe934e%26referer_video_id%3D7303018244124708103&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo0GXECFv58gXEkdZDBDAIfsxjfKAiCNI2wEafE%3Fx-expires%3D1701388800%26x-signature%3Dp2HoaXXYfdsIXHvvNvZLRcSoSbc%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>“You’re prioritised a seat/space on the bus if there is a space on the bus, they can’t just kick someone off that’s on before you,” one user wrote.</p> <p>“On the bus you get priority seating, yes. But you don’t get priority to ride - if it’s full it’s full they can’t just kick people off,” a second commenter wrote.</p> <p>“I’m a wheelchair user also. In this situation he did nothing wrong. You’re assuming people are discriminating you when they’re not,” a third wrote.</p> <p>Others were adamant the people on the bus were in the wrong by not offering her a seat.</p> <p>“Bloody hell how rude & inconsiderate are people nowadays they only think about themselves. They should’ve moved & stood up from the priority seat,” one wrote.</p> <p>In follow-up videos posted to TikTok, Ms Berezikova claimed that other travellers had boarded the bus at her stop after pushing in front of her, and that she had pleaded with them to make space for her. </p> <p>She also chose to reveal her medical history, which included being in a 12-day coma in July 2021 due to cardiac arrests caused by Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and subsequent motor skills, co-ordination, and speech issues.</p> <p>“I get it, it doesn’t matter to you that (myself) or others have special needs. What matters to you is that you get from point A to point B on time. I dont mind waiting for a second bus. Okay third. But fourth? Fifth?!” she wrote in the follow-up post.</p> <p>“And still face discrimination on the bus. If you think its okay to leave disabled people stranded that is NOT COOL ... I deserve to get on a bus like anyone else and infrastructure and society must allow that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok / Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Drivers missing out on thousands in unclaimed toll rebates

<p>Motorists in New South Wales could be sitting on hundred of dollars in unclaimed toll rebates and not even know it. </p> <p>After a scheme was introduced by NSW premier Dom Perrottet to help ease cost of living pressures,  drivers can get cash back for their road usage.</p> <p>The scheme entitles eligible drivers who spent more than $375 on tolls in the 2022-2023 financial year to a 40 per cent rebate of up to $750.</p> <p>Motorists have until June 30, 2024 to claim the rebate.</p> <p>This financial year, motorists who spend more than $402 on tolls can claim up to $802 back.</p> <p>In order to claim your rebate, you need to be a resident of New South Wales with an active NSW E-Toll or Transurban Linkt account and have already paid for the tolls.</p> <p>Drivers also must have accrued tolls on a vehicle that is privately registered in NSW and have travelled on an eligible NSW road.</p> <p>The toll roads included in the rebate are:</p> <ul> <li>M5 South-West (unless you already claim for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme)</li> <li>Westlink M7</li> <li>Hills M2</li> <li>NorthConnex</li> <li>WestConnex</li> <li>Sydney Harbour Bridge</li> <li>Sydney Harbour Tunnel</li> <li>Lane Cove Tunnel</li> <li>Eastern Distributor</li> <li>Cross City Tunnel</li> <li>Military Rd E-Ramp (Falcon St off-ramp of the Warringah Fwy).</li> </ul> <p>To access the toll tracker service, you need to link your toll account with your MyService NSW profile before you check your eligibility via the <a href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/claim-the-toll-relief-rebate#eligibility" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Service NSW website</a>, select “claim online” and follow the prompts.</p> <p>Once approved, Service NSW says you will receive your rebate within three to eight business days.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Money & Banking

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"What am I missing?" Driver confused over hefty parking fine

<p>A woman has been left shocked over a $300 parking fine, for an offence she had no idea she was committing. </p> <p>The confused motorist was puzzled when she received a $305 fine in the mail, and decided to take to Facebook to ask her community if they could "help [her] understand the fine".</p> <p>The woman, from Sydney's inner west, posted photos of her parking job to a local Facebook page, which show her blue hatchback parked curbside outside a house, with no apparent signal nearby. </p> <p>"I got fined $305 and lost some demerits points. They said I parked parallel close to the dividing line/strip," she explained. "I don't see anything wrong with the pics. What am I missing?" she questioned alongside photos of offence.</p> <p>According to parking rules in New South Wales, drivers "must not park within 3m of any double dividing lines" and those caught doing so can be fined.</p> <p>In the photos, the double lines appear close to the woman's car on a seemingly narrow road.</p> <p>One person explained the rule on in the comments of her Facebook post, writing, "It's possibly because there is not enough room for cars to pass your car without partly crossing their car across the double middle lines — it's illegal for them to do that."</p> <p>So you can't park in a place where there isn't enough space between the double middle lines and your car for other cars to pass."</p> <p>The parking rule surprised many who admitted they "had no idea" the rule existed, with some concluding you "see it all the time".</p> <p>"Sorry you got those fines. Wow. You learn something new every day," said one driver. "I had no idea this was a road rule until now! I'm sorry you copped such a huge fine," said another, to which the driver concluded it an "expensive lesson learnt". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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New details revealed as Daylesford driver's lawyer speaks out

<p>Important information about the 66-year-old man who crashed into the Royal Hotel in Daylesford has been released. </p> <p>According to the man's lawyer, he required immediate treatment at the scene, as the elderly man is an insulin-dependent diabetic. </p> <p>Detectives <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/daylesford-crash-victims-family-speaks-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interviewed</a> the man, a Mount Macedon local, for the first time on Tuesday, but was not arrested or charged.</p> <p>Solicitor Martin Amad, who is representing the driver, said his client returned a negative alcohol breath test after the crash, and has no previous criminal history.</p> <p>"It was a terrible tragedy," Amad said.</p> <p>"My client has been interviewed by Victoria Police. He has not been charged with any offence. It's anticipated the investigation will take some time."</p> <p>"He is deeply distressed and feels great empathy for the families and friends of the victims and wider Daylesford community."</p> <p>The driver remains in the hospital and is undergoing medical treatment. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; background-color: #ffffff;">“At this time the driver has not been charged, with inquiries to continue after his eventual release from care,” a police statement provided to the</span><em style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"> Herald Sun</em><span style="font-size: 16px; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; background-color: #ffffff;"> said.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Just days after the <a style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #258440; text-decoration: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s;" href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/there-were-bodies-everywhere-five-people-dead-in-horror-pub-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">devastating car crash, t</a>he town of Daylesford is in mourning after five people died in the car crash. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Pratibha Sharma, her husband Jatin Chugh, and her daughter Anvi were enjoying the last of the weekend at the Royal Hotel in Daylesford when a white BMW SUV crashed into the beer garden on Sunday evening. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Sharma and Chugh died at the scene, while nine-year-old Anvi was flown to hospital but did not survive her injuries and was later pronounced dead. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">The family were joined by their friends, Vivek Bhatia, 38, his wife, and their two kids at the pub. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Vivek and his 11-year-old son Vihaan were both killed in the crash, while the 36-year-old woman, and a second son, aged six, were taken to hospital for their injuries.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';"><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

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Common car act could cost touchy drivers a hefty fine

<p>A worried driver has shared his concerns over being slapped with a potential fine after being caught holding his girlfriend's hand while driving. </p> <p>The man questioned whether the hand holding warranted a fine, after the couple passed a road safety camera in the "compromising" position. </p> <p>“Me and my girlfriend were holding hands and there was a camera on the left side, will they fine me?” the poster anonymously posted in a Facebook group for discussions about mobile phone detection camera locations in Australia.</p> <p>Online responses were varied from commenters, as many thought he driver could attract a fine as the act could be misconstrued as a more serious offence. </p> <p>One person wrote, “Was there a (mobile phone) between your hand and your girlfriends?" while another cheekily added “As long as she was just holding your hand.”</p> <p>But while some people mocked the question, others were closer to the mark, writing, “Holding her hand is no problem other than you may not have had effective control of the vehicle.”</p> <p>“Both hands on the steering wheel is my take on it,” another said.</p> <p>While police and transport authorities confirmed to <a href="https://7news.com.au/travel/driving/common-driving-act-that-could-cost-romantic-drivers-up-to-514-c-12217058" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a> that no specific rule exists for holding hands, if the hand-holding is deemed to constitute a failure to maintain proper control of a motor vehicle, that would be an offence under Australian Road Rule 297 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.</p> <p>The rule is observed nationally, but not all states fine offending motorists equally.</p> <p>Those who are caught red-handed could be fined between $215 and $514 depending on where they are.</p> <p>A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said that drivers should use their best judgement, saying, “Drivers must also drive with care and attention, as there are significant penalties for more serious offending.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Driver's shock after copping $2.2 million speeding ticket

<p>In a shocking turn of events, a man in the US state of Georgia has found himself facing a $2.2 million ($US1.4m) traffic ticket after getting caught speeding on a freeway.</p> <p>Yes, you read that right - $2.2 million! It sounds like a punchline from a comedy show, but it happened in real life.</p> <p>Connor Cato was cruising through the city of Savannah on September 2, probably enjoying the wind in his hair, when the Georgia State Patrol nabbed him going a zippy 145km/h (90miles/h) in an 88km/h (55mile/h) zone. Now, we've all been there, right? In a rush, late for a meeting, or maybe just trying to win a real-life game of Mario Kart. But poor Mr Cato got WAY more than he bargained for.</p> <p>When the officer handed him a ticket, he must have been bracing himself for a hefty fine. But what he got was more jaw-dropping than a surprise birthday party from a circus troupe. The ticket had a price tag of $2.2 million! </p> <p>In disbelief, Cato decided to call the court, assuming it was a typo. But, to his amazement, the court clerk insisted that the amount was correct. She even had the audacity to tell him, "You either pay the amount on the ticket or you come to court on December 21 at 1:30pm."</p> <p>Thankfully, Cato's dire financial situation turned out to be a mere illusion. The $2.2 million was just what's known as a "placeholder" generated by e-citation software used in Savannah. This software, used by the local Recorder's Court, goes all <em>Mission Impossible</em> on super speeders – those who exceed the speed limit by more than 56km/h (35miles/h). It seems that the software programmers have a taste for drama, as they used the largest number possible to create this fine that sounds more like a ransom demand from a Bond villain.</p> <p>In reality, a judge will set the real fine, which cannot exceed $2,000 ($US1,000), plus state-mandated costs, at Cato's mandatory court appearance. So, our dear speed demon can breathe a sigh of relief; he won't be selling his house, car, and perhaps an organ or two to pay off that outrageous ticket.</p> <p>The city of Savannah has been using this placeholder system since 2017 and has promised to work on adjusting the language to avoid any further confusion. In the end, this story is a reminder that sometimes technology can have a wicked sense of humour. </p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock / WSAV TV</em></p>

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Uber driver shares touching moment with grieving passenger

<p>A young Uber driver has shared the emotional interaction he had with a grieving mother.</p> <p>James Bade, a 23-year-old from Sydney, shares clips from his best Uber driving moments on his TikTok, capturing honest moments with his passengers. </p> <p>Bade's latest video has moved his followers to tears, as he drove around an older couple who broke down in tears at the end of their journey. </p> <p>James captioned his video, "This job makes me cry sometimes,” as the video shows the elderly woman telling James, “You know what? Look after yourself.”</p> <p>Her voice broke as she said, "You're a champion."</p> <p>The couple then left the car, before the woman began tapping frantically on James' window as he winds it down. </p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7279295029410057480&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jamesbadeofficial%2Fvideo%2F7279295029410057480&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2F7648b1db68b747d38845e102a8a6ef9e_1694842956%3Fx-expires%3D1695945600%26x-signature%3DCvk%252FeflE7E2aY%252Fv15VOGr7IwGr4%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>“I lost my son last year,” she tells him through tears. </p> <p>“And you remind me so much of my son.”</p> <p>Bade unbuckles his seatbelt and hugs the woman through the window as she cries. </p> <p>The woman, still sobbing, holds Mr Bade for a moment, telling him to “take care”. </p> <p>“The world will take you wherever you want to go,” she tells him.</p> <p>The comments section was flooded with emotional messages, showing that the interaction obviously touched his followers. </p> <p>“You can tell she has so much love and nowhere for it to go,” one wrote. </p> <p>“Actually crying … how lovely,” said another. </p> <p>Another added, “This is just beautiful … you can just tell in her voice that she needed that so much.”</p> <p>Sadly, not every one of James' passengers are as lovely, as he recently made headlines after a rude passenger <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/uber-driver-shocked-by-elderly-passenger-s-intrusive-questions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">talked down to him</a> over his career choice and high school exam results. </p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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Uber driver shocked by elderly passenger's intrusive questions

<p>A young Aussie Uber driver has shared the moment he was grilled by an elderly female passenger with a line of very judgemental questions. </p> <p>James Bade, 23, regularly uploads dash-cam footage to social media from his Uber journeys with colourful characters.</p> <p>In a video he posted on Wednesday, Bade picks up an elderly female passenger, who quickly begins quizzing him about his schooling and career. </p> <p>The woman asks Bade what his Year 12 ATAR rank was, before judging his answer. </p> <p>"What was your score like at the end of the year?" the woman asked.</p> <p>"Uhh, not great," Bade awkwardly responded.</p> <p>The passenger then pressed further, asking if his mark was "70? 80?", with Bade stated he got "65".</p> <p>"You did s***", the woman bluntly said.</p> <p>"Yeah, but that's okay," Bade said, to which the passenger responded, "No, it's not okay. It's s***."</p> <p>Bade, who appeared momentarily stunned by the woman's brash assertions about his school results, told her that he gave his final tests "a good go", with the passenger saying, "You did not."</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7277944950711438599&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jamesbadeofficial%2Fvideo%2F7277944950711438599&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2F65176828c7d846a09f542b7a8ccae59d_1694528612%3Fx-expires%3D1694826000%26x-signature%3DJ1LS93ofX1akA%252F3OHw4mxLNRhyI%253D&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>Later on in the drive, she began questioning the young man about his career aspirations.</p> <p>Bade mentioned that he was "doing real estate for a few years" that gave him "some opportunities" but that he was happy being an Uber driver in the meantime.</p> <p>"Oh, God. Well you've gotta sort of get it together," the elderly passenger said.</p> <p>"It is together!" the young driver hit back. "I'm always chatting to new people and they're giving me new ideas for different things."</p> <p>The woman responded, "No it's not, my idea is to get it together."</p> <p>Bade posted the interaction to his TikTok account, as the video has quickly accumulated hundreds of thousands of views. </p> <p>Viewers were quick to praise Bade's patience with the elderly passenger, while slamming the woman's judgement of Bade's personal life decisions and her condescending attitude. </p> <p>"Nothing like an elderly alcoholic telling another person to get it together," one person commented.</p> <p>Another wrote, "I'm so sorry you had to deal with that...she's using your services and simultaneously looking down on it. It's insane. A job is a job."</p> <p>"You're so patient and calm with her, I would have kicked her out. Who gives her the right to judge?" added another.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

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Buxton crash driver pleads guilty over five teen deaths

<p>Tyrell Edwards, 19, has pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated driving occasioning death, following a fatal crash which killed five teens south of Sydney <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/new-details-emerge-as-driver-charged-in-tragic-buxton-crash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last year</a>. </p> <p>The teen arrived at Picton Local Court on Thursday surrounded by family members who shielded his face from cameras using an umbrella. </p> <p>As he sat in the dock at the packed court, the magistrate read out the five charges he faced over the horror crash, where he was driving 45km/h over the speed limit. </p> <p>"Guilty, your honour," Edwards would repeat as each count was read out to him. </p> <p>Edwards, who was a P-plater at the time of the accident, crashed into a tree killing three boys and two girls between the ages of 14 and 16, while he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.</p> <p>Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte, and Tyrese Bechard were all pronounced dead at the scene. </p> <p>The court was told that the car only had seatbelts for four passengers in addition to the driver. </p> <p>His lawyers argued that he should remain on bail until his next court date on the 24th of August, so that he can receive treatment for mental health issues including PTSD and an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. </p> <p>But the Magistrate denied the plea, as they believed it wasn't a good enough excuse for Edwards to remain at liberty until then. </p> <p>"I'm also of the view that if it is necessary to take place then it can take place while the offender is in custody," Magistrate David Degnan said. </p> <p>"Accordingly his bail is revoked, and you will remain in custody, Edwards."</p> <p>The Magistrate also acknowledged family and friends of the five victims, who were present in court to hear the charges, before describing the tragedy as a "particularly egregious" example of dangerous driving. </p> <p>"And the impact was at speed and had a devastating effect," he said. </p> <p>Edwards faces a maximum of 14 years in prison for each of the charges. </p> <p><em>Image: Facebook/ Nine News</em></p>

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52 new charges levelled at Hunter Valley bus driver

<p>The bus driver accused of causing a fatal crash in the NSW Hunter Valley has bene slapped with dozens of new charges.</p> <p>Brett Button was allegedly behind the wheel of the bus carrying wedding guests when it rolled near the Hunter Expressway at Greta.</p> <p>The devastating crash claimed the lives of ten people, and injured several others, who were travelling from a wedding ceremony to a reception party in June. </p> <p>Mr Button, 58, was granted bail at Cessnock Local Court shortly after the accident, as he faces 20 charges, including negligent driving occasioning death. </p> <p>However, on Thursday it was revealed that Mr Button is now facing 63 charges in total, after 43 additional charges were laid by NSW Police.</p> <p>The new offences include nine charges each of dangerous and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.</p> <p>There were also an additional 25 new charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motorvehcile.</p> <p>Police claim Button was driving too quickly and allegedly told passengers to "fasten your seatbelts" in the moments before the vehicle lost control at a roundabout and slammed into a guardrail, before tipping onto its side.</p> <div>Kane Symons, Angus Craig, Rebecca Mullen, Darcy Bulman, Nadene and Kyah McBride, Andrew and Lynan Scott, Tori Cowburn, and Zachary Bray were killed in the crash.</p> <p>Earlier this week, the NSW government finalised its inquiry into the bus crash but the findings are yet to be released.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

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"Come forward": Young girl's message to driver who ran her over

<p>Perth student Alexis Lloyd has shared a message to the person who ran her over, leaving her with serious injuries. </p> <p>The 12-year-old was hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing outside Willetton Senior High School last Tuesday, with the driver speeding away from the scene. </p> <p>Alexis will spend at least six weeks in a wheelchair after suffering a broken leg and collarbone in the hit-and-run incident, as she has pleaded with the driver to make themselves known to police. </p> <p>“I just wanted to say you should come forward and not keep hiding because the police are going to find you eventually,” Alexis told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/perth/perth-student-alexis-lloyd-delivers-message-to-driver-who-ran-her-down-outside-willetton-senior-high-school-c-11165198" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>.</p> <p>The Year 7 student said the incident “happened really fast”.</p> <p>“I just remember the lollipop man blowing the whistle, and then I walked out, and then the car just kinda came,” she said.</p> <p>“Next thing I knew, I was just laying on the floor.”</p> <p>Alexis spent five nights in the Perth Children's Hospital before being discharged on Sunday to continue her long recovery at home. </p> <p>Almost a week on and police are still working to track down the white Suzuki Baleno that struck Alexis, which is proving to be difficult as police do not have a registration plate to work with.</p> <p>Alexis’s mum Tory Carter previously shared her frustration that the driver had not made contact with police.</p> <p>“It’s hard to fathom that someone would collide with a child and not stop,” she said last week.</p> <p>“I understand sometimes people might panic in the moment but it’s a bit disheartening that it’s been almost three days and nobody’s come forward.”</p> <p>Anyone who saw the crash on Tuesday June 27th at around 8:30am, or has any information about the incident, should contact Crime Stoppers.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

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Missing Uber driver found dead after week-long search

<p>Two teenage boys, 17 and 18, have been charged over the alleged murder of an Uber driver who went missing about a week ago.</p> <p>The driver, Scott Cabrie, 47, was found dead near a boat ramp on Power House road, Howard, on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, 280km north of Brisbane, at around 11:30 am on Sunday.</p> <p>Queensland police allege Mr Cabrie was killed during a rideshare trip in his blue Nissan X-Trail.</p> <p>Investigations led detectives to issue a search warrant at an address in Pacific Haven where a 17-year-old male was taken into custody.</p> <p>The 17-year-old was additionally charged with one count each of murder, robbery and deprivation of liberty.</p> <p>The teen was refused bail and will appear before Hervey Bay Children’s Court on Monday.</p> <p>On the same day, at around 6:25pm, officers issued a warrant to another Hervey Bay address, where they arrested an 18-year-old man from Sunshine Acres.</p> <p>The 18-year-old has been charged with one count each of murder, the unlawful use of a vehicle, arson, armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.</p> <p>He was also refused bail and will appear in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Monday.</p> <p>Mr Cabrie’s vehicle had been found burnt out near Wieland road at Pacific Haven on Tuesday, February 7, three days before he was reported missing.</p> <p>A search operation with officers, water police, SES volunteers and drone technology was launched in the area and surrounds.</p> <p>On Sunday morning, February 12, the body believed to be Mr Cabrie was discovered near a boat ramp, but the cause of death is yet to be revealed.</p> <p>The police are currently looking into the movements of a blue 2017 Nissan X-trail with Queensland registration 675YF on Torbanlea Piallba Road between 11 pm and midnight on Monday, February 6.</p> <p>Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have relevant information or dashcam footage to come forward.</p> <p>Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Cabrie’s death are still ongoing.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook</em></p>

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School’s complaint about bus driver days before Hunter Valley crash

<p dir="ltr">Teachers at Green Point Christian College, on the Central Coast, raised their concerns about Brett Andrew Button’s driving conduct just days before the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-than-we-can-bear-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragic accident in the Hunter Valley</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">They alleged that Button had a "lack of attention" while he was driving Year 5 students on an excursion to Bathurst last Thursday and Friday, and have sent a letter to parents confirming that he was the driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">Principal Phillip Nash told <em>9News</em> about the teachers' concerns that Button was "often chatting to teachers" instead of focusing on the road.</p> <p dir="ltr">"On the trip to Bathurst our teachers raised concerns about the driver and reported them at the end of the trip as per our usual procedures," the Principal wrote in the letter to the parents.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We ask staff to report anything of concern or anything inadequate in regard to the bus and or the driver.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Their concerns were not such that they felt they needed to contact us on the trip, however."</p> <p dir="ltr">The school has since reported their concerns to bus company Linq and have also shared the letter of complaint to the police investigating the Hunter Valley tragedy.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police have confirmed that they have received the letter of complaint and the teachers who were on the bus during the school trip are expected to be interviewed.</p> <p dir="ltr">The bus company has also shared a statement to <em>9News</em> confirming that they have received the letter of complaint.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We have been made aware by the media of a letter from Green Point Christian College sent to its students' parents," the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The concerns raised in the letter had not been brought to our attention until today.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We have received no other complaints about Mr Button before receipt of that letter.</p> <p dir="ltr">"As with all of our drivers, Mr Button was only engaged after he passed an independent driver assessment, and his references were checked.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further."</p> <p dir="ltr">Button has<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/hunter-valley-bus-driver-faces-court" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> faced court</a> and is facing 11 charges including 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, and one count of negligent driving.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7News / Seven/ Roni Bintang / Getty Images</em></p>

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Hunter Valley bus driver faces court

<p dir="ltr">The driver behind the wheel of the bus that overturned on a Hunter Valley roundabout, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/more-than-we-can-bear-hunter-valley-bus-crash-victims-identified">claiming the lives of 10 and injuring dozens more</a>, has faced Cessnock Local Court. </p> <p dir="ltr">Brett Andrew Button was reportedly emotional as he was charged with 10 counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, as well as one count of negligent driving.</p> <p dir="ltr">Strict bail conditions were imposed on the 58 year old, with Magistrate Robyn Richardson noting that Maitland local Button had significant connections to the area, while acknowledging the emotional weight now upon his shoulders. Additionally, she said that there was a strong prosecution case for the 11 charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prosecutor Broom opposed an application for bail on the grounds that Button may not attend future court appearances and might interfere with witnesses, stating that 10 had already given evidence to police officials regarding Button’s “prolonged behaviour and dangerous driving, where he said ‘fasten your seatbelts’.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“Bail is strongly opposed,” she said. “It is conceded he has [a] limited traffic record.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are seven offences over some 30 years of driving and no criminal record. This is a serious motor vehicle collision that resulted in the death of 10 persons. </p> <p dir="ltr">“There are currently 14 victims in hospital, two in ICU, and the injuries range in variety - some include grievous bodily harm.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Broom went on to inform the court that there was a “high likelihood” of further offences being laid before him, and of him serving full time custody.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Magistrate Richardson did grant bail, explaining that bail shouldn’t be denied as a punishment, and drew attention to the man in question, who she believed to be suffering in the wake of the tragedy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Mr Button has sat in court head down throughout these proceedings and it is clear to the court he suffers, along with the rest of his family,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Button is deeply linked to his community and has support here today … I note the stringent proposed bail conditions.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In accordance with those conditions, Button must abide to a curfew of 8 pm to 6 am unless he is with certain members of his family, report to the police three days each week, surrender his passports, remain at least 5 km from any international departure point, and refrain from applying for any travel documents.</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, he had to put forward $10,000 surety for his bail, avoid both drugs and alcohol, and keep well away from the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle.</p> <p dir="ltr">Before bail was granted, Acting Assistant Commissioner David Waddell shared that law enforcement would allege Button had been driving “too quick” for the conditions at the roundabout that night.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He entered that roundabout driving in a manner that was inconsistent with the conditions," he said. "The speed was too quick for him to negotiate that roundabout, causing the vehicle to fall onto its left side and cause those injuries."</p> <p dir="ltr">He went on to note that many of the officers who had been at the scene had been left “visibly distraught”, and that while there had been reports of fog in the area, he would not comment on whether or not visibility had been a factor. </p> <p dir="ltr">"The whole conditions will be examined as part of the investigation," he said. "So, it will be about how the driver drove in relation to the conditions."</p> <p dir="ltr">Button’s lawyer, Chris O’Brien, argued for both Button’s bail and his release, citing a number of medical conditions - including mental health concerns - though further information was not provided. He added that if the case were to go to trial, there was a chance it would see “long delays”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Button is currently scheduled to face Newcastle Local Court on August 9. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News / Nine</em></p>

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Father of truck driver arrested for horror school bus crash speaks out

<p>The truck driver who crashed into a bus, causing it to roll over with school children inside on May 16, is “very distressed” over the incident, his father revealed.</p> <p>"He's going to take a while to get over this,” renowned horse trainer Robert Gleeson told<em> A Current Affair</em> of his truck driver son Jamie Gleeson.</p> <p>"He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and unfortunately there was a bus there as well," Robert said.</p> <p>Police reported 49-year-old Jamie was driving dangerously when he rear-ended the bus carrying 45 students from Exford Primary School, leaving some with amputated limbs.</p> <p>Jamie is a father of two boys aged 17 and 18.</p> <p>He’s been driving trucks for 20 years and was just minutes away from home when he told police he saw the “sun flicker” through the trees before the crash.</p> <p>The court hearing on May 18 heard Jamie has no criminal history and that initial test results ruled out him being drunk or on drugs.</p> <p>He remained on the scene and called triple zero.</p> <p>"He got out and helped take the kids out of the bus," Robert said.</p> <p>"Jamie's nature is a very soft person. He cares about people very much and that was his natural reaction.”</p> <p>Jamie’s family said he’s been a respected volunteer at the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for about 15 years and during that time, he has witnessed all kinds of incidents just like the tragic crash.</p> <p>His father said the horror incident is not something that will go away for Jamie overnight, and all they can do as a family is give him support as things “take their course”.</p> <p>"He'll have to live with it for the rest of his life but hopefully these kids in the bus and the families can repair," Robert said.</p> <p>Robert said his son is heartbroken and unable to speak publicly due to the court case.</p> <p>"He's very distraught. He's more distressed about the fact there's children involved and families involved," Robert said.</p> <p>"It's one of those distressing things that's happened and we can't undo that and unfortunately a lot of people will be affected by this with their children.”</p> <p>Jamie is one of two drivers for trucking company L&amp;J Cartage.</p> <p>He has been prohibited from driving trucks while on bail.</p> <p>The bus driver involved in the crash has now returned home.</p> <p>"It'll take him some time to work through and we'll support him," Christian's Buses director Campbell Christian said.</p> <p>Robert said his family are thinking of everyone involved.</p> <p>"Our heart goes out to the families of these children," he said.</p> <p>"Fortunately there's no fatalities in this accident and if there had been, it would have been a much worse scenario than what we have now."</p> <p><em>Image credit: A Current Affair</em></p>

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