A Victoria dad who was seen on a YouTube video teaching his 12-year old son to do a crazy burnout on a chained Chrysler Neon has been blasted by cops as “irresponsible and reckless” with certain media describing him as a “hoon”.
Sam Surace of Meldon, a car fanatic, denies the claims and defends his actions by saying that he is simply teaching his young sons to perform burnouts in his car in a controlled and private environment, which down the line, will make them better drivers.
“They are taking away the Australian way of life of kids having fun on private property,” he told the local media. “This is not bad parenting. It’s just a bit of fun. At least we are keeping it off the street,” he said.
Australian police, renowned for their negative views on anything and anyone having the slightest fun behind the wheel, have a different opinion.
“The actions of the supervising adult are irresponsible, reckless and potentially dangerous,” Victoria Police State Highway Patrol Inspector Simon Humphrey told the Herald Sun. “If the young boy were to lose control of the vehicle, he may not have the experience or maturity to resolve a potentially life-threatening situation.”
Mr. Surace insisted that there was no wrongdoing.
“It’s innocent fun. It’s like kids riding on the back of a tractor,” he said.”Some people think it’s silly and wrong and just bad parenting. But I will bring up my kids how I want to bring them up. I’m a 47-year-old man and I wouldn’t do anything to put my kids in harm’s way.”
However, Humphrey said that, despite the fact Mr. Surace and his son did what they did on private property, Victoria Police can still impound their cars on hoon offences, including improper use and intentional loss of traction.
Sound a bit harsh if you ask me, but do tell what you think in the comments below.
By John Halas
VIDEO