High on meth and speeding at 200km/h: Hoons deserve harsher penalties the state’s top cop says
A shocking video has emerged of a motorcyclist high on meth hurtling down the North South Motorway at 200km/h. Our top cop says it’s time they were treated as major criminals.
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Hoon drivers should be treated as major criminals and have harsher penalties for endangering lives, the state’s top cop says, after vision emerged of a motorcyclist riding at 200km/h at Dry Creek.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he will hold talks with Attorney-General Vickie Chapman, and Police Minister Vincent Tarzia to discuss harsher penalties for speeding motorists who create excessive risk in the community.
“My view is that these people should be treated more like criminals than road traffic offenders,” Mr Stevens said.
“We should have the ability to take a harsher approach with them and to consider the nature of their actions.”
He said speeding was comparable to shooting or other violent acts.
“I’d compare it to someone who fires a gun down Rundle Mall, we’d be taking severe action against those people, charging them with attempted murder or acting to endanger life.”
It comes after a driver and motorcyclist were arrested after two separate police pursuits in Adelaide on Monday night,
Patrols spotted a motorcycle travelling at 200km/h from their police helicopter about 7.30pm Monday along the North South Motorway at Dry Creek.
The helicopter followed the rider along Heaslip Road where the rider pulled into a service station at Angle Vale. Police cars arrived at the location, when the motorcyclist allegedly attempted to ride away, crashing into the police car.
The 39-year-old Angle Vale man was drug tested and returned a positive reading to methamphetamine.
He was charged with illegal use, speeding, driving unlicensed, resisting arrest and displaying unassigned number plates.
He was refused bail to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court. Police are investigating the stolen motorcycle.
A short time later, a Commodore was detected travelling 168km/h in an 80km/h zone on West Ave at Edinburgh.
Police helicopters followed the driver on the Salisbury Highway until he was stopped on Elder Smith Drive at Mawson Lakes.
The 29-year-old Davoren Park man was reported for driving at a dangerous speed.
His car was impounded for a month and he will appear in court at a later date.
Mr Stevens said people speeding in excess is reckless stupidity.
“It is a complete disregard for the consequence of their actions and we’ve seen time and time again where innocent people have lost their lives on South Australian roads because of idiots and we need to be making sure we do as much as we can to prevent that.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said she is yet to hear from the Commissioner on the matter.
“However I am keen to hear his ideas and welcome a discussion in relation to whether the existing provisions are adequate,” Ms Chapman said.
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