Search

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

A driver has copped a $387 fine over their bizarre seatbelt fix during a random stationary test at Richmond in Sydney's northwest. 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. 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. "Seatbelts help to save lives, except for this one...." they wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "Hawkesbury Highway Patrol were recently conducting random stationary testing on Londonderry Road at Richmond when they spoke with a driver about his seatbelt. "Not only was the seatbelt not being worn, an inspection of the seatbelt found it to be dangerously defective," they added. "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." <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2024/03/SeatbeltNSWPolice.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> 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. "And who passed the Pink Slip? That’s where I’d be heading," one wrote. "I wonder who did the rego check on this vehicle," another added. "How does it even get to that stage," a third questioned, while others agreed that the seatbelt was no longer safe. Images: Getty / Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, NSW Police Force

Legal

Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

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. Button appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday as he faces almost 90 charges associated with the horror crash. 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”. “There isn’t an hour that goes by that I’m not thinking of the families that have been affected by the crash. “I truly feel for anyone involved, including the emergency services. “I am devastated by what has occurred and I am truly deeply sorry.” Button was the bus driver in charge of driving wedding guests to a Hunter Valley venue when the vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed. Husband and wife Andrew and Lynan Scott were killed in the crash and farewelled in ceremonies weeks later. 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. Zach Bray, Angus Craig, Darcy Bulman, Tori Cowburn and Rebecca Mullen were the other victims of the horror crash. 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. He has not entered any pleas. Image: Getty

Legal

Driver fined over "six-second stop"

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. 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. Revenue NSW reportedly told him that he had stopped within 10 metres after a crossing, which was a "serious" safety risk. 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. "It's a flawed set up with the crossing being so close to the 15-minute parking," Michael told Yahoo News Australia. "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?" 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. 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. While Darling Harbour is located in the City of Sydney LGA, the area is managed by government-run Place Management NSW. "It is an offence to stop on or near a pedestrian crossing," a spokesperson stressed. 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. "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. Images: Yahoo News Australia.

Legal

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

A furious motorist has taken aim at a Sydney council's parking solution that resulted in an "outrageous" and "unjustified" fine. 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. 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. 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. Ben told <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> parking had become "a nightmare" since the temporary lot opened, leaving many motorists with no option but to park along the fence line. It's this act that saw Ben receive a $129 parking fine in the mail. 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. "They've advertised that the temporary car park is the same amount of spaces lost during the construction, which is severely incorrect," he said. "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." 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. 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. "I mean it's just not fair. It's a temporary gravel parking lot," he said. "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." A spokesperson for Campbelltown City Council told Nine News they understood the construction of the new car park would "create some disruption". "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. 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". "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. Image credits: Nine News

Legal

Hunter Valley bus driver hit with new charges

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mr Button has yet to enter pleas for the existing charges. 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. 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. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

"A moving time": Hunter Valley bus crash victims honoured at AFLW grand final

Avid footy fans Nadene and Kyah McBride were among the ten wedding guests killed in 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">horror bus crash</a> on the June long weekend. They are survived by grieving dad and husband, Graham McBride, who was also on the bus at the time of the crash, but only suffered neck and arm injuries. On Sunday, their lives and love for the sport have been honoured during the during the AFLW grand final between North Melbourne and Brisbane. “We thank all of those involved in community football for their tireless efforts in making our game the best it can be,” the game's MC and Seven commentator Nat Edwards said as they brought out the cup. Nadene, who was the founder and coach of the Singleton Roosterettes, has been named an official AFLW community hero. Her daughter Kyah was a star player in the team, and was also part of the Sydney Swans AFL women's development squad. Graham joined the guard of honour as his wife and daughter were acknowledged. He paid a touching tribute to his loved ones before the game. "Nadene has done a lot for football so to get their recognition back hits home," a teary-eyed Graham told Nine News. "Everyone enjoyed being around the girls, they made you smile," he added. In another interview with 7News he told the publication: “I think that cup will be full of happy tears and sad tears. It’ll be a proud moment." ”(Nadene) bled Sherrin in her veins. Footy was everything to her. ”I’m going to do it for my girls ... I bloody love them and they love their football.” Just months prior to the tragic accident, Nadene and Kyah celebrated their teams win. “For Singleton AFC when we first started, we were actually not very good,” Nadene said in a Ladbrokes video that resurfaced following the crash. “One of our biggest deficits was about 263-to-nil I’m pretty sure. We only kicked two goals for that whole season, and I kicked them both and I was playing centre halfback. “We’ve come a massive way since then and in 2020, miraculously and through a lot of hard work, we actually took out the premiership. “We beat a team we definitely shouldn’t have beaten on the day and we did.” Bus driver Brett Andrew Button was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/52-new-charges-levelled-at-hunter-valley-bus-driver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged</a> over the crash and remains before court. Images: Getty/ Nine

Caring

Disabled woman slams bus driver who refused to let her onboard

A disabled woman has taken aim at a bus driver who refused to let her onboard a busy bus. 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. “I’m so sorry,” the driver told Anastasiia Berezikova as she tried to board the bus. “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.” While filming the interaction, the woman asked the bus driver if he “understands there are priority seats” available for disabled people on public buses. “I understand, but there are other people who got on the bus before you, and I can’t kick them out,” he replied. 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?” 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. <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> “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. “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. “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. Others were adamant the people on the bus were in the wrong by not offering her a seat. “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. 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. 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. “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. “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.” Image credits: TikTok / Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Drivers missing out on thousands in unclaimed toll rebates

Motorists in New South Wales could be sitting on hundred of dollars in unclaimed toll rebates and not even know it. 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. 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. Motorists have until June 30, 2024 to claim the rebate. This financial year, motorists who spend more than $402 on tolls can claim up to $802 back. 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. Drivers also must have accrued tolls on a vehicle that is privately registered in NSW and have travelled on an eligible NSW road. The toll roads included in the rebate are: <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> 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. Once approved, Service NSW says you will receive your rebate within three to eight business days. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

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

A woman has been left shocked over a $300 parking fine, for an offence she had no idea she was committing. 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". 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. "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. 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. In the photos, the double lines appear close to the woman's car on a seemingly narrow road. 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." 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." The parking rule surprised many who admitted they "had no idea" the rule existed, with some concluding you "see it all the time". "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". Image credits: Facebook

Legal

New details revealed as Daylesford driver's lawyer speaks out

Important information about the 66-year-old man who crashed into the Royal Hotel in Daylesford has been released. According to the man's lawyer, he required immediate treatment at the scene, as the elderly man is an insulin-dependent diabetic. 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. 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. "It was a terrible tragedy," Amad said. "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." "He is deeply distressed and feels great empathy for the families and friends of the victims and wider Daylesford community." The driver remains in the hospital and is undergoing medical treatment. <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<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<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. <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 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 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 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 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 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';">Image credits: Nine

Legal

Common car act could cost touchy drivers a hefty fine

A worried driver has shared his concerns over being slapped with a potential fine after being caught holding his girlfriend's hand while driving. The man questioned whether the hand holding warranted a fine, after the couple passed a road safety camera in the "compromising" position. “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. 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. 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.” 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.” “Both hands on the steering wheel is my take on it,” another said. 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">7News</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. The rule is observed nationally, but not all states fine offending motorists equally. Those who are caught red-handed could be fined between $215 and $514 depending on where they are. 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.” Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Driver's shock after copping $2.2 million speeding ticket

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. Yes, you read that right - $2.2 million! It sounds like a punchline from a comedy show, but it happened in real life. 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. 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! 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." 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 Mission Impossible 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. 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. 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. Images: Shutterstock / WSAV TV

Legal

Uber driver shares touching moment with grieving passenger

A young Uber driver has shared the emotional interaction he had with a grieving mother. 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. 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. 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.” Her voice broke as she said, "You're a champion." The couple then left the car, before the woman began tapping frantically on James' window as he winds it down. <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&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jamesbadeofficial%2Fvideo%2F7279295029410057480&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&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> “I lost my son last year,” she tells him through tears. “And you remind me so much of my son.” Bade unbuckles his seatbelt and hugs the woman through the window as she cries. The woman, still sobbing, holds Mr Bade for a moment, telling him to “take care”. “The world will take you wherever you want to go,” she tells him. The comments section was flooded with emotional messages, showing that the interaction obviously touched his followers. “You can tell she has so much love and nowhere for it to go,” one wrote. “Actually crying … how lovely,” said another. Another added, “This is just beautiful … you can just tell in her voice that she needed that so much.” 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. Image credits: TikTok

Caring

Uber driver shocked by elderly passenger's intrusive questions

A young Aussie Uber driver has shared the moment he was grilled by an elderly female passenger with a line of very judgemental questions. James Bade, 23, regularly uploads dash-cam footage to social media from his Uber journeys with colourful characters. In a video he posted on Wednesday, Bade picks up an elderly female passenger, who quickly begins quizzing him about his schooling and career. The woman asks Bade what his Year 12 ATAR rank was, before judging his answer. "What was your score like at the end of the year?" the woman asked. "Uhh, not great," Bade awkwardly responded. The passenger then pressed further, asking if his mark was "70? 80?", with Bade stated he got "65". "You did s***", the woman bluntly said. "Yeah, but that's okay," Bade said, to which the passenger responded, "No, it's not okay. It's s***." 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." <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&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jamesbadeofficial%2Fvideo%2F7277944950711438599&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2F65176828c7d846a09f542b7a8ccae59d_1694528612%3Fx-expires%3D1694826000%26x-signature%3DJ1LS93ofX1akA%252F3OHw4mxLNRhyI%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> Later on in the drive, she began questioning the young man about his career aspirations. 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. "Oh, God. Well you've gotta sort of get it together," the elderly passenger said. "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." The woman responded, "No it's not, my idea is to get it together." Bade posted the interaction to his TikTok account, as the video has quickly accumulated hundreds of thousands of views. 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. "Nothing like an elderly alcoholic telling another person to get it together," one person commented. 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." "You're so patient and calm with her, I would have kicked her out. Who gives her the right to judge?" added another. Image credits: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Shop around, take lunch, catch the bus. It is possible to ease the squeeze on your budget

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-de-zwaan-180752">Laura de Zwaan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> It’s no secret that the cost of living has increased substantially over the last year, with rises of between <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/employees-annual-living-costs-highest-record#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CLiving%20costs%20for%20employee%20households,per%20cent%20was%20in%201986.">7.1 and 9.6 per cent</a> for all households. So what can households do to manage these increases? It might sound simple, but starting with a budget is the best approach. Even if you already have a budget, price increases mean it will need to be updated. For those new to budgeting, it is just a list of your income and expenses. Make sure you match the frequency of these so you are working out your budget over a week, or a fortnight, or a month. There are plenty of budgeting apps and websites that can help, such as the <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/budget-planner">Moneysmart budget planner</a>. Once your budget is up to date, you can see your financial position. Do you have a surplus of cash – congratulations! You can save that money to help you in an emergency. But what about if you have less income than expenses? You need to work through a process of figuring out where you can cut back. Some expenses are easy to cut back on: <ul> <li> If you have multiple streaming services, drop back to one at a time. Check for any other subscriptions you might be paying for – if you are not using them frequently, now is the time to cancel. You can always resubscribe when money isn’t tight. </li> <li> If you are spending a lot of money on take out or paying for lunch, find cheaper alternatives such as eating at home and packing a lunch using cheaper ingredients. Switch to tap water for normal drinks, and take a travel cup of coffee with you. </li> <li> Check and see if public transport is cheaper for you. If you are using a lot of fuel and paying for parking, public transport could be a better option. </li> <li> Groceries can be a huge cost for families. It is always worth shopping around to not pay full price. Understand unit pricing and buy the products you use when they are on special. It might be necessary to switch to cheaper products. </li> <li> Check if you are paying too much for your utilities like internet, electricity and gas. There are comparison websites you can use, including the <a href="https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/">Energy Made Easy</a> website. You can also make simple changes such as turning off lights and using a saucepan lid when boiling water that will reduce your usage. </li> <li> Check other products you might be paying for, such as car, home and health insurance to see if you can save money by switching. Be careful with any life or disability policies. It is best to speak to a financial adviser before changing those as there can be implications for cover. </li> </ul> Other expenses, like housing, can be a lot harder to manage. Rising interest rates have pushed up mortgage repayments for homeowners. Mortgage interest charges have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-03/record-high-living-costs-businesses-contracting-interest-rates/102296992">risen by 78.9% over the year</a> to March 2023. For many homeowners, their repayments are unaffordable compared to when they first took out their mortgage. If you are struggling to afford your mortgage, the first step is to talk to your lender as soon as possible. Moneysmart has <a href="https://moneysmart.gov.au/home-loans/problems-paying-your-mortgage">useful information</a> on what to do when you can’t meet your mortgage payments. You may also be able to <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/early-access-to-super/access-on-compassionate-grounds/access-on-compassionate-grounds---what-you-need-to-know/">access some of your superannuation</a> so you don’t lose your home, however bear in mind that this is a temporary solution and uses your retirement savings. Increased demand for rentals has seen average rents across Australia increase by <a href="https://content.corelogic.com.au/l/994732/2023-07-05/z2tcd/994732/1688600749Ly8Iv9wt/202306_CoreLogic_RentalReview_July_2023_FINAL.pdf">27.4% since the COVID pandemic</a>. Supply of rental properties is low, which means many people may not be able to find a suitable alternative if their rent increases and becomes unaffordable. It might be necessary to take on a housemate, or move to a cheaper location (make sure to consider additional costs such as transport). If your circumstances have changed suddenly and you cannot pay your rent, contact your landlord or property manager. If you are paying a lot in credit card or other personal debt repayments such as numerous Afterpay-style accounts, it could be a good idea to speak to a bank about consolidating. This can help move some expensive debt, such as that from credit cards, into lower interest debt and simplify your budgeting as there is only one payment. If debt is making your budget unmanageable, then you can call the <a href="https://ndh.org.au/">National Debt Helpline</a> or for First Nations Australians there is <a href="https://financialrights.org.au/getting-help/mob-strong-debt-help/">Mob Strong Debt Help</a>. A final option could be to increase your income by taking on more work. This can be a good solution, but if you already work full time it might be unsustainable. Two common side hustles to boost income are gig work, such as Uber driving, and multi-level marketing, which is selling goods like Doterra and Herbalife to family and friends. However, both are <a href="https://www.twu.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/McKell_QLD_Gig-Economy_WEB_SINGLES.pdf">low</a> <a href="https://eprints.qut.edu.au/216593/1/MLM_report_Print.pdf">paid</a> and in most cases you would be better off earning minimum wage as a casual employee.<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/210895/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/laura-de-zwaan-180752">Laura de Zwaan</a>, Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Getty Images 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/shop-around-take-lunch-catch-the-bus-it-is-possible-to-ease-the-squeeze-on-your-budget-210895">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

Buxton crash driver pleads guilty over five teen deaths

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>. The teen arrived at Picton Local Court on Thursday surrounded by family members who shielded his face from cameras using an umbrella. 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. "Guilty, your honour," Edwards would repeat as each count was read out to him. 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. Summer Williams, Antonio Desisto, Gabriella McLennan, Lily Van de Putte, and Tyrese Bechard were all pronounced dead at the scene. The court was told that the car only had seatbelts for four passengers in addition to the driver. 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. But the Magistrate denied the plea, as they believed it wasn't a good enough excuse for Edwards to remain at liberty until then. "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. "Accordingly his bail is revoked, and you will remain in custody, Edwards." 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. "And the impact was at speed and had a devastating effect," he said. Edwards faces a maximum of 14 years in prison for each of the charges. Image: Facebook/ Nine News

Legal

52 new charges levelled at Hunter Valley bus driver

The bus driver accused of causing a fatal crash in the NSW Hunter Valley has bene slapped with dozens of new charges. Brett Button was allegedly behind the wheel of the bus carrying wedding guests when it rolled near the Hunter Expressway at Greta. 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. Mr Button, 58, was granted bail at Cessnock Local Court shortly after the accident, as he faces 20 charges, including negligent driving occasioning death. 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. The new offences include nine charges each of dangerous and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. There were also an additional 25 new charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct while in charge of a motorvehcile. 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. <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. Earlier this week, the NSW government finalised its inquiry into the bus crash but the findings are yet to be released. Image credits: Getty Images </div>

Legal

"Forever cherish the memories": Hunter Valley groom speaks

Mitchell Gaffney, the groom who lost 10 friends in the Hunter Valley bus crash incident, has spoken out for the first time. The newlywed spoke at his friend Zachary Bray’s funeral in Sydney, three weeks after the devastating collision. The 29-year-old was remembered as a loveable larrikin and an adored brother and son, who had survived a battle with bowel cancer and was dedicated to raising awareness to the disease. Gaffney and Bray met playing football and became friends off the field. “Although you’ll never get the chance to put the jumper on again, you’ll always be there by our side,” Gaffney said. Bray was known as Labrador or Lab to his footy mates, with the affectionate nickname speaking to his gentle character. “They’re pretty smart dogs,” Gaffney said. “They’re extremely loveable but no matter what they do, they do it with that big goofy smile." “That was the first impression he made and it still holds true.” Gaffney said Bray was the ultimate team player, who “had the ability to make everyone feel included”. “We will forever cherish the memories that we are lucky enough to hold together.” Bray’s family and friends including his girlfriend Georgie Copeland, came together to honour Bray in the emotional ceremony. “My heart hurts,” Copeland said. “I can’t deny it.” “But I know that it hurts deeply because it was deeply real.” Bray’s mother Jacqui Varasdi also spoke at the funeral, and said being his mother was her “greatest achievement”. <div> “And to see you here, laying in this box, just doesn’t make any sense.” Many of the guests will gather again next week to honour the lives of Nadene and Kyah McBride, who were also killed in the Hunter Valley bus crash. Image credits: 7News </div>

Caring

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

Perth student Alexis Lloyd has shared a message to the person who ran her over, leaving her with serious injuries. 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. 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. “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">7News</a>. The Year 7 student said the incident “happened really fast”. “I just remember the lollipop man blowing the whistle, and then I walked out, and then the car just kinda came,” she said. “Next thing I knew, I was just laying on the floor.” Alexis spent five nights in the Perth Children's Hospital before being discharged on Sunday to continue her long recovery at home. 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. Alexis’s mum Tory Carter previously shared her frustration that the driver had not made contact with police. “It’s hard to fathom that someone would collide with a child and not stop,” she said last week. “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.” Anyone who saw the crash on Tuesday June 27th at around 8:30am, or has any information about the incident, should contact Crime Stoppers. Image credits: 7News

Legal

"Truly remarkable": Outpouring of love for orphaned infants of bus crash victims

Generous Australians have opened their hearts and wallets to show their support for the two orphaned children of Andrew and Lynan Scott. The Scotts were onboard the bus that crashed in the Hunter Valley and were killed, along with eight others, leaving behind two sons, aged two and four. Since the devastating crash, family friends Sean and Paula Mewing set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-the-sons-of-Andrew-and-Lynan-Scott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page for the young boys from Singleton in northern NSW, with the staggering sum reaching almost $300,000 in just over a week. The page's stated goal was $300,000 to 'to assist in providing ongoing support for the sons' of the Scotts, with more than 2,300 donations making up a total sum of $287,000. Despite the page almost reaching the target, the families of Andrew and Lynan said the page would "remain open in weeks, months and years ahead" to "support these boys in any endeavour they wish to pursue". In an update posted on Sunday, the families of Andrew and Lynan thanked page visitors for "all the love and support you all have shown in the past week either via donations and/or messages on this page, it is truly remarkable." In the messages section, tributes flowed from friends, family and colleagues of the deceased couple. "I worked with Andrew and he was one of the most genuinely sweet men I’ve ever met," one person wrote. "We were usually the first 2 there in the morning and he always had a happy smile and a hello for me! He won’t be forgotten." Another said, "Thank you Lynan and Andrew for being part of my life and sharing your family with me." "I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. We hope to be there to support the boys in the years to come. Much love to their families now and forever." Image credits: GoFundMe

Caring

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

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

Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

Driver fined over "six-second stop"

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

Hunter Valley bus driver hit with new charges

"A moving time": Hunter Valley bus crash victims honoured at AFLW grand final

Disabled woman slams bus driver who refused to let her onboard

Drivers missing out on thousands in unclaimed toll rebates

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

New details revealed as Daylesford driver's lawyer speaks out

Common car act could cost touchy drivers a hefty fine

Driver's shock after copping $2.2 million speeding ticket

Uber driver shares touching moment with grieving passenger

Uber driver shocked by elderly passenger's intrusive questions

Shop around, take lunch, catch the bus. It is possible to ease the squeeze on your budget

Buxton crash driver pleads guilty over five teen deaths

52 new charges levelled at Hunter Valley bus driver

"Forever cherish the memories": Hunter Valley groom speaks

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

"Truly remarkable": Outpouring of love for orphaned infants of bus crash victims

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

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

Hunter Valley bus driver breaks silence

Driver fined over "six-second stop"

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

Hunter Valley bus driver hit with new charges

"A moving time": Hunter Valley bus crash victims honoured at AFLW grand final

Disabled woman slams bus driver who refused to let her onboard

Drivers missing out on thousands in unclaimed toll rebates

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

New details revealed as Daylesford driver's lawyer speaks out

Common car act could cost touchy drivers a hefty fine

Driver's shock after copping $2.2 million speeding ticket

Uber driver shares touching moment with grieving passenger

Uber driver shocked by elderly passenger's intrusive questions

Shop around, take lunch, catch the bus. It is possible to ease the squeeze on your budget

Buxton crash driver pleads guilty over five teen deaths

52 new charges levelled at Hunter Valley bus driver

"Forever cherish the memories": Hunter Valley groom speaks

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

"Truly remarkable": Outpouring of love for orphaned infants of bus crash victims

Our Partners

Join Over60