AN Alkimos man is due before Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday, October 2 charged with one count of reckless driving.
WA Police said the man the 30-year-old Alkimos mas was charged after an investigation into an incident in Alkimos on Friday, September 11.
Police will allege the man uploaded video footage to social media showing a small child seated unrestrained on his lap while he was driving a Toyota Hilux, with the child appearing to have control of steering the vehicle.
A police spokeswoman said on Saturday, September 12 police arrested the man in Morley and charged him with one count of reckless driving.
He is due to appear before Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday, October 2.
Road policing operations superintendent Michael Dalla-Costa said it was the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to keep children safe.
“What we have seen in this vision is deeply concerning because it appears to show a very young child being allowed to control a moving vehicle,’’ he said.
“Children rely on adults to make safe decisions on their behalf.
He said a vehicle was not a toy and allowing a child to steer a moving vehicle, particularly if not properly restrained, could have serious consequences.
“When people watch footage like this, it is easy to focus on what happened.
“We also need to think about what could have happened.
“One unexpected movement, a child running onto the road, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or a simple mistake could have ended in tragedy.
“Had this vehicle lost control or been involved in a crash, the child would have been vulnerable to serious injury.
“It makes me wonder if the adult responsible, considered what the impact of this would be on their family, witnesses and the wider community.
“Road safety starts with personal responsibility.
“Adults are expected to protect children, not place them in situations where they are exposed to unnecessary danger.
“Road policing investigations are investigating this incident and we are asking anyone who witnessed it, or who has dash-cam, CCTV or mobile phone vision, to come forward and assist investigators.
“The overwhelming majority of parents and carers do the right thing every day.
“Incidents like this serve as an important reminder that safety must always come first, no matter how short the journey or how harmless a decision might seem at the time.”
Anyone with dashcam or mobile phone vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.
