Beer over Children?

This article is disturbing on several counts. First, the subject itself - what sort of person cares more for the protection of their beer than that of his child?

Second, the writer of this article seems to make some fun jabs at the whole notion with his reference to the fact it was a 30 pack of cans. C'mon... I'm all for a little color commentary, but to point out how ridiculous this is since the beer is unbreakable containers? Just shows how the writer lessens the seriousness of the event.

Is this uncommon? Both the subject of the article AND the "color commentary?" Unfortunately, it's not. And that's exactly why fines should be much, much steeper than a mere $750 for endangering one's own child in such a way.

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Driver Fined for Buckling Up Beer Instead of Boy
May 13th 2008By Anthony Layser

If you were driving a car conveying your child and a case of beer, and only had one extra seat belt, which would you choose to buckle up?

Wait, don't answer yet.

An Australian driver was recently fined $750 for leaving a 5-year-old boy unrestrained while transporting a case of beer buckled in a seat belt.

The boy was reportedly seated on the floor and the 30 can carton was strapped in between two adults.

The constable who pulled the driver over in the central Australian town of Alice Springs said he was "shocked and appalled" by the finding, and that the incident was the first time he'd seen beer take priority over a child.

As much as we like beer, get the kid buckled up. It would be one thing if they were bottles, but cans?