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Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Caravan driver's 'scary' act exposes major problem on Aussie roads
Footage of a swaying caravan travelling along a busy highway was captured during the last-minute dash home at the end of the Easter weekend on Monday, and it highlights a growing safety concern on Aussie roads. Hannah Jones told Yahoo News she had enjoyed her long weekend camping in the rural town of Pemberton, in Western Australia's southwest, and was travelling along the Kwinana Freeway when she spotted the towed caravan whipping side to side ahead of her. "The swaying was scary! We thought there was going to be an accident," she told Yahoo News. "All of the cars behind and to the side of him were avoiding him." In a bid to get out of harm's way, Hannah overtook the swaying caravan but second guessed whether he was even aware of the risk — saying he appeared to have "no care in the world" as she passed him. "[He had the] window down smiling. I'm sure he would have known from his side mirrors or even felt it. He seemed very confident," she said. 🚐 'Incredible' moment in caravan crash shows hidden problem on roads 😲 Warning after couple's 'scary' caravan rollover just 50km from home 🫧 Warning over 'silent caravan killer' costing Aussie travellers $10,000 There has been many incidents of swaying caravans recently reported by Yahoo News and many experts are concerned there is a lack of understanding on how to correctly and safely load caravans as more and more appear on Aussie roads. The swaying van above appeared to have extra features added to the rear and roof which may have affected its towing weight. Incorrect loading means the weight distribution between a car and towed caravan is off, posing a heightened chance of the driver being unable to control the vehicle. A swaying caravan almost caused a driver to collide with a 57-tonne truck last October and there has been many incidents where authorities have been forced to respond to overturned caravans on the road after drivers lost control. Simply put — caravan loading can be the difference between life and death, RAC claims manager Glen Walker previously told Yahoo News. "It is crucial caravan owners prioritise learning how to safely maintain, load and tow their vans," Glen said. "It's also critical to keep the caravan balanced, with the correct weight on the tow-hitch, by distributing weight evenly when packing." What to keep in mind: Weight of vehicle Weight of caravan The weight of the vehicle and towed caravan combined Overall weight distribution of the vehicle and towed caravan combined Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie Lotto winner reveals incredible strategy to pick numbers for $4.8 million win: 'Believe it or not'
An incredibly lucky Australian man has defied the odds and pocketed the only division one winning entry in Monday's Set for Life draw, scoring a "mind-blowing" $20,000 per month for the next 20 years. Remarkably, the Queensland man — from Pomona in the Shire of Noosa — said he'd chosen his numbers by "writing them all down and putting them in a hat". "Believe it or not ... I've used them ever since," he said. The man now can look forward to a total prize of $4.8 million, paid in portions every single month for the next two decades. Reflecting just how little he expected to win, the Sunshine Coast local, who is semi-retired, said he even screened the first two calls from The Lott representatives. "I wasn't expecting this at all. I'm emotional. I don't even know what to say," he said. "When you rang twice, I thought it was odd but then I got a call for the third time and thought I better just answer." He said he'll now look forward to fully retiring with his wife. While most lottery winners in Australia get to enjoy their prize in full, a The Lott spokesperson confirmed in the event of a death in the next 20 years, the money will be distributed to the winner's estate. "While we always hope our Set for Life division one winners get to enjoy their prize every month for the next twenty years, in the unfortunate event of their passing, the remainder of the prize will be paid in full to their estate, as per the game's rules," they earlier told Yahoo News Australia. As for the Queenslander, he said he simply can't wait to call his wife. "It's a miracle. I'm mind blown," he said. "I appreciate this more than you know." The winning numbers in Set for Life draw 3490 on Monday February, 24, 2025 were 36, 37, 25, 10, 32, 15 and 1, while the supplementary numbers were 27 and 2. In Australia, the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot (matching all seven numbers plus the Powerball) are 1 in 134,490,400. You're more likely to be crushed by a meteorite than win the lottery Aussie scoops $2.5m with ticket bought for him as a present Mum who 'didn't know how to play' Keno wins $2.9 million That means you're far more likely to be struck by lightning, encounter a shark attack, or even become a millionaire through other means than hitting the jackpot. Even for Oz Lotto, the odds of winning Division 1 are 1 in 62,891,499. While millions of people play each week, the vast majority will never win a life-changing prize. If gambling is a problem for you go to Gambling Help Online or call 1800 858 858. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
P-plater cops $3,279 fine for 'blatant stupidity' on quiet Aussie road
A young P-plater is about to be thousands of dollars poorer after being slapped with a whopping $3, 279 fine for speeding more than 70 kilometres per hour over the legal limit. NSW Police attached to the Cumberland Highway Patrol said the young driver didn't have an excuse for zooming along King Street at Guildford West when he was apprehended on Sunday. They said the 19-year-old "decided to put his foot down, harshly accelerating" when he drove past them at about 11.30pm. The teen, driving a Hyundai i30, was clocked on radar doing 123 km/h in the signposted 50km/h zone. "He provided no reason for his speed, and returned negative results to both alcohol and drug tests," NSW Police said in an online statement. Warning over common road act that carries a fine in every state Alarming speed camera trend as Aussies warned of 'major trap' Aussies outraged over $500 fee, cars impounded for common act He was issued with two infringement notices for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h and not displaying his P plates — attracting a total of $3,279 worth of fines and 8 demerit points. "His licence was immediately suspended on the spot for 6 months, where he'll then face a further suspension period due to exceeding his demerit point limit," police said. The vehicle's registration was also cancelled for three months. Dozens responded to police's post, with one man branding the P-plater's recklessness "brazen stupidity". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers warned over common road act that carries a fine in every Aussie state
Almost every Aussie at some pint in time would've come across a parked car with a "for sale" sign in the window. But for sellers trying to grab the attention of prospective buyers on the road, they need to make sure they're not making one easy mistake, or the sale could actually end up costing them. The seemingly innocent act of adorning your car with sale information can land the owner in hot water if the vehicle is left parked alongside a public road. That's because such simple, homespun advertisements are considered a potential distraction for other drivers. And the penalty can carry pretty hefty fines for those just trying to make a buck. Depending on the state, as well as the local council area, the penalties range from as little as $100 to more than $2,000. In NSW, for example, drivers caught in this illegal act can be slapped with fines ranging as high as $1,500 to $2,200. In Queensland, the Sunshine Coast council last year conducted an awareness campaign over the issue, warning of on-the-spot fines of $252. Meanwhile in WA, authorities prohibit advertising vehicles on public land in general with a potential $1,000 fine. In South Australia, councils have adopted by-laws requiring a permit to display 'for sale' signs on vehicles. Without a permit, motorists risk fines up to $100. The situation is handled similarly in Victoria. Sydney lawyer Avinash Singh urged Australians to be aware of the rules or risk being potentially penalised. In fact, he said motorists are frequently stung over the little-known offence. "The rationale behind the prohibition of putting a 'sale' sign on a vehicle while parked on a public road is that it can distract drivers. By having an approval process, councils can ascertain whether the advertising is likely to distract road users or provide an impediment," he said. The most effective way to legally advertise your car for sale on a public road is by obtaining approval from the local council. With their permission, you can display your advertisement without the risk of being fined, Singh explained. Section 626 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) sets the maximum penalty for illegally advertising a vehicle for sale on a public road or space as 20 penalty units. Currently one penalty unit is $110, meaning this act can potentially come with a $2,200 fine for those in the state. 'Simple' road mistake voiding car insurance Aussie bin day act stuns British expat Outrage over $500 fee, cars impounded for common act Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Warning over $806 fine as group spotted in 'careless' act at popular Aussie beach
A small detail in a photo taken this week at one of the country's most famous beaches has revealed the "careless" act that risks a $806 fine and poses a safety threat to other beachgoers, with authorities warning Aussies simply not to do it. At first glance, the rolling waves crashing against Surfers Paradise beach on the Gold Coast look picturesque under a bright moon and clear night sky. However in the corner of the picture is the faint glow of a fire on the sand with a fe beachgoers nearby. It is illegal to light a fire on any of the Gold Coast beaches — and many others across the country — with authorities saying the risk remains well after the flames have died down. "Sand can trap heat for significant periods after a fire has been extinguished, posing risk to beachgoers walking barefoot," a City of Gold Coast council spokesperson told Yahoo News. "Safety is our number one priority and lighting fires on the beaches poses several hazards to people and the environment." The council urged Aussies to immediately report the behaviour snapped by the onlooker. Rural firefighters along NSW's south coast reported an "increase" in beach fires over the Christmas break as many enjoyed coastal retreats. The temperature of the sand was recorded at an alarming 270°C hours after fires on the beach had been put out — and even after dumping buckets of water on it. "The heat underground from a beach fire can remain for hours and kids or other beachgoers may inadvertently step in hot coals. Enjoy our coastline, but please don't light beach fires," the Tuross Head Rural Fire Brigade said last month. After the photo of the Gold Coast fire was posted online this week, one person claimed they'd previously witnessed someone "screaming in pain for half an hour after stepping on hot sand the morning after a bonfire". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
