Thousands of Aussie drivers may be unknowingly breaking a road rule that could lead to a fine every time they fill up at a petrol station — but there is a simple way to avoid the risk.
It may seem harmless to leave your kids in the car while you quickly run into the service station, especially when they’re strapped into car seats and getting them out feels like too much of a hassle.
But even if you’re only planning to be gone a minute and you’re close to your car, leaving a child in a vehicle could have serious consequences.
What are the penalties for leaving a child in a car?
In NSW, leaving a young person or child unsupervised in a vehicle can result in a fine of up to $22,000, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the child or young person became emotionally distressed, or their health was impacted, such as being left in the heat.
In Victoria, it is also illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle, and doing so could lead to fines up to $5,228 and/or up to six months in prison.
In South Australia, leaving children under the age of 16 unattended is also considered unsafe and can lead to five to 15 years in prison.
In Western Australia, it is an offence to leave children unsupervised in a vehicle where they are likely to suffer emotional distress or injury. For matters that go to court fines of up to $36,000 can apply, and up to three years’ imprisonment.
Similar rules also prevent drivers from keeping pets in vehicles in each state.
How can you pay for petrol with kids in the car?
Instead of worrying about carrying a sleeping baby into the service station or risking running in to pay, Australia’s most popular petrol stations offer apps that let motorists pay from the car.
APCO, 7-Eleven, BP, Ampol and Reddy Express can all process card details via the app after you set the pump you’re at, how much you want to spend or how much petrol you need.
You will still need to leave your vehicle to fill up the tank, but these apps mean you don’t have to walk away when a child is inside.
For some stations, you won’t even need an app. Costco, U-GO and Liberty, for example, offer pay-at-the-pump service without needing an attendant.
Beyond avoiding harsh penalties, the fuel stations also offer fuel-saving incentives that can save you money in the long run, such as fuel price locks or points rewards.
Danger in cars heightened as weather warms up
With summer just around the corner, the risks increase for kids and pets left inside cars.
Kidsafe reports that thousands of kids are left in hot cars every year, and when a vehicle sits in the sun, it can get 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
“Even on a mild day, a car can quickly become unbearable for a child,” it stresses.
“Never leave children alone in a parked car, not even for a minute.”
A dehydrated child puts them at risk of suffering potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
Extracted in full from: https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-drivers-risk-fines-of-up-to-36000-for-common-petrol-station-habit-203436096.html
