A. Speed up to a little bit over the speed limit, because everyone does it.
You are driving in a 70 km/h zone, keeping to the limit. Several vehicles pass you. One of your passengers suggests you should keep up with the other traffic. What should you do?
A. Speed up to a little bit over the speed limit, because everyone does it.
B. Follow the suggestions and keep up with the traffic.
C. Decide your speed yourself, based on the speed limit and the conditions.
There are quite heavy fines and even prison sentences for driving irresponsibly because the implications for others that are affected by your actions can be life-changing and serious.
Remember that you are the one in control of the car, not your passengers, and you have a responsibility to be safe on the roads. Don't give in to peer pressure; if you are driving safely and one of your passengers doesn't like the way you drive then they have the choice of alternative arrangements like public transport or a taxi. Also, you have the choice of how to react in a situation - don't let anyone else's actions make you angry. If you retaliate and cause an accident the fines and penalties can be steep. There are plenty of people in prison who are there because they made a rash decision while behind the wheel.
Here is a list of some of the more serious transgressions and the penalties you can expect.
| Other driving offences | Penalties | First offence | Second or subsequent offence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negligent driving where death is occasioned | Maximum court-imposed fine | $3,300 | $5,500 |
| Maximum gaol term | 18 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - minimum | 12 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order | 3 years | 5 years | |
| Negligent driving where grievous bodily harm is occasioned | Maximum court-imposed fine | $2,200 | $3,300 |
| Maximum gaol term | 9 months | 12 months | |
| Disqualification - minimum | 12 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order | 3 years | 5 years | |
| Furious driving; Reckless driving; Driving in a manner or at a speed dangerous | Maximum court-imposed fine | $2,200 | $3,300 |
| Maximum gaol term | 9 months | 12 months | |
| Disqualification - minimum | 12 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order | 3 years | 5 years | |
| Fail to stop and give assistance in an accident involving death or injury | Maximum court-imposed fine | $3,300 | $5,500 |
| Maximum gaol term | 18 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - minimum | 12 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order | 3 years | 5 years | |
| Other major offences mentioned in section 205 of the Road Transport Act 2013. | Maximum court-imposed fine | As in existing legislation | As in existing legislation |
| Maximum gaol term | As in existing legislation | As in existing legislation | |
| Disqualification - minimum | 12 months | 2 years | |
| Disqualification - maximum | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Disqualification - in the absence of a specific court order | 3 years | 5 years |
(Source: this page on Roads & Maritime's website).