Why footage of an Aussie motorcyclist pulled over for a random breath test has left Americans outraged
A video of a motorcyclist being stopped by police for a random breath test has sparked a feud between Australians and Americans over civil rights.
The motorcyclist was stopped by police last week at Long Reef, on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The entire conversation lasted less than 40 seconds, with both the police officer and driver behaving pleasantly towards each other.
Footage was shared on Instagram, where some US commentators expressed anger at the motorcyclist being stopped, claiming police had ‘no rights’.
“You are all sheep who don’t know what freedom is,” one person wrote.
‘Why do you tolerate this nonsense? Why don’t you fight back with lawsuits, legislation and protests?’ said another.
The naive responses angered dozens of Australians, especially those who have lost loved ones to drunk drivers.
“If your sister-in-law was killed by a drunk driver and left behind an eight-month-old baby, maybe you would understand,” one person wrote.
The entire conversation lasted less than 40 seconds, with both the police officer and the driver (photo) behaving pleasantly
“We don’t like drunk drivers on our roads here. We want to keep our families safe.”
Another added: “In Australia, most people understand that our civic responsibility to ensure the safety of the entire community comes with a few minor inconveniences, such as a 40-second breath test.”
“I feel much better knowing that the vast majority of people don’t drive under the influence. That’s freedom people.’
“I enjoy having the right not to be killed or paralyzed by a drunk driver when I’m on the road,” a third wrote.
“Whingers are complaining about this,” one person wrote.
“Have you ever met a family that has lost someone killed by a drunk driver? Be sensible everyone, the world has bigger problems.’
Other Aussies took the opportunity to attack US gun safety standards.
“Imagine coming from a country that tolerates children being shot at school, but objects to the idea of police trying to keep drunk drivers off the road,” one person said.
“If you get stopped by the police in Australia, at least you can have a normal conversation with them and neither party has to fear for their lives,” wrote another.
Random breath testing is common in Australia, with all states and territories imposing fines and/or license suspensions as punishment.
In NSW, drivers convicted of drink driving face a minimum three-month suspension for their first offense and six months for subsequent offences.