Posted on May 13, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

An Australian driver who chose to buckle up his beer rather than his child escaped with just a fine this week.

Police in Alice Springs were said to be “shocked and appalled” when they pulled over the car in Australia’s Northern Territory.

They reported that a 30-can pack of beer was strapped down between two adults in the back while a five-year old child was left unrestrained on the floor.

The driver was handed a fine of A$750 ($US709, €458).  The fine was for failing to ensure the child was wearing a seatbelt as well as driving an uninsured, unregistered vehicle.

Superintendent Sean Parnell of Alice Springs police said the incident was a “timely reminder” to ensure “all passengers are secured”.