Drivers are being told to watch out because new traffic fines of up to \$980 will become valid in the coming month. These have been announced by the government, thinking that they would fit well alongside their other route safety reforms to lower fatalistic reckless driver acts and create safer conditions for all road users.
The New \$980 Fine
The bargain-priced fine is to be levied for the graver traffic offenses-the use of a mobile phone whilst driving, dangerous overtaking, and running a red light. Authorities maintain that such infringements have topped the charts for causing accidents and fatalities. Hopefully, by imposing higher cash penalties, they will instill fear into people and entrain responsible behavior when on the road.
Prime Target: Mobile Phone Use
One particular change relates to mobile phone use while driving. Drivers caught texting, calling, or even browsing through a phone without any hands-free technology will be fined the maximum of \$980 with demerit points. Recent advances in camera technology are being designed to catch offenders as they attempt to get away in high-risk areas with relatively high ease.
Public Response
A mixed response is flooding in from around the country in response to the announcement. Lunatics think that the fines being imposed are harsh enough to deter someone from doing a dangerous act for the sake of saving lives. On the contrary, critics feel the sudden increase may prove to be too harsh, especially upon those in low economic strata who may find themselves pressured to get the fines off their back. In addition, some are really worried about the camera-based enforcement possibly leading to unfair ticketing in borderline circumstance.
Government’s Justification
Officials maintain that these fines are not meant to raise some revenues but as deterrents. Road safety experts, on the other hand, stress that the penalties are much less effective than the actual exorbitant costs that road accidents bring in lives and money for healthcare. The government will spend a good amount on awareness campaigns to ensure drivers know all about the new regulations before they come into force.
Conclusion
Australian drivers enter a stricter era of enforcement with the implementation of almost \$1,000 fine from the first of next month. For better or for worse, the message sent from authorities is quite clear: unsafe driving is simply not tolerated anymore; the cost for negligence has never been this high.