Twist in drinking water scandal as police DENY fining driver $173 for quenching his thirst behind the wheel on a 39C day
- Brock Harris said he was pulled over near his home in Beaudesert, Queensland
- He was fined $173 and given one demerit point for drinking water at wheel
- He said he protested but the officer told him he was just doing his job
- Police on Friday said they could not verify whether Mr Harris' story happened
- Have you been fined for drinking water in your car? Email tips@mailonline.com
Police have not been able to verify the claims of motorist who said he was fined for drinking from a water bottle at the wheel.
Brock Harris, from Beaudesert, west of the Gold Coast, said he was pulled over as he was approaching his house after working 12 hours in 39C heat.
Mr Harris said he was fined $173 and given one demerit point for not driving with due care and attention.
The story was first reported by the ABC on Thursday - but now Queensland Police say they cannot verify it happened.
A driver has been fined for drinking from a plastic water bottle at the wheel (stock image)
A police statement on Friday said: 'We are aware of commentary alleging a driver had being issued an infringement for drinking from a bottle of water.
'To date, police have not been able to validate these claims. A senior officer from Road Policing Command will reach out to the person involved to review the matter.
'Anyone who may have information that may substantiate the claims is urged to come forward.
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'Distractions while driving can have serious consequences and attract significant penalties.
'Drivers should avoid distractions, including use of their mobile phone or responding to passengers and children in the vehicle where it diverts their attention away from the primary responsibility of ensuring a safe journey on our roads.'
Mr Harris said he was just trying to keep his fluids up on a scorcher of a day in south east Queensland.
'If it is against the law then I'll pay the fine, but it's not compassionate to fine someone on a 39-degree day for trying to stay hydrated,' he told the ABC.
Mr Harris protested after he was pulled over but the police officer told him he was just doing his job.
Queensland Police Superintendent David Johnson of Road Policing Command said drinking water while behind the wheel can be illegal if the driver loses control of the car.
'There are many people who consume drinks while driving and do it safely in a safe manner,' Supt Johnson told the ABC.
'For us to issue a fine we have to look at the circumstances to see if the driver's actions are causing risks to themselves or others.'
Mr Harris' fine comes after a messy motorist was heavily fined for driving a car brimming with garbage.
Queensland Police caught the man, 57, driving on Mount Gravatt Capalaba Road in Brisbane at midday on August 17.
The footage released by police showed the old Ford Falcon sedan was loaded with shopping bags, empty cans, water bottles and cardboard boxes.
Papers and catalogues were strewn all over the dashboard and the rear of the car.
The trash in the car was obstructing front, back and side visibility.
'The car is full of rubbish,' a woman officer was heard on video as she inspected the car with a male colleague.
'As you can see the gentleman inside the car can't see anything.
'We have got serious concerns about his visibility. He's got no visibility on sides, no visibility off the rear at all.'
Officers then handed the man a traffic infringement notice for two offences.
He was fined $311 for driving a vehicle without clear view in all directions.
The footage released by police showed the old Ford car loaded with shopping bags, empty cans, water bottles and cardboard boxes
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