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MEMBERS of the emergency services say the use of mobile phones while driving is one of the most frustrating things they see on the roads.
Bendigo Highway Patrol’s Acting Senior Sergeant Mick McCrann said phones were responsible for a lot of driver distraction.
“They’re in charge of a motor vehicle that could potentially kill them and other people, and they’re paying attention to this device instead,” Acting Senior Sergeant McCrann said.
Research suggests that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of a crash fourfold.
According to the Traffic Accident Commission, mobile phone use can impair a driver’s reaction time, visual search patterns, ability to maintain speed and position on the road, ability to judge safe gaps in the traffic and general awareness of other traffic.
A motorist driving at 50 km/h will travel effectively blind for 27 metres when their eyes are taken off the road for just two seconds.
At 100 km/h, a vehicle travels more than 55 metres.
Bendigo SES unit deputy controller of operations Jason Hague said it was frustrating to see irresponsible behaviour when there was plenty of information on how people could be safer on the roads.
He said too many drivers had the attitude that they would be able to do such things without consequence.
“It might seem OK at the time, but it definitely isn’t,” Mr Hague said.
“The impact that it has on the general community is too great.”
Using a mobile phone or a visual device while driving will incur a $466 fine and four demerit points.
Learners, P1 and P2 drivers cannot use a phone for any purpose, whether it is hand-held or hands-free.
Fully licensed drivers can use a phone for calls and audio or music functions, provided it is in a commercially designed holder and can be operated without touch.
Use of a phone as a navigational device also requires that it is in a holder fixed to the vehicle.
The same rules apply to motorcycle riders, although fully licensed riders who have held their licence for less than three years must abide by the learner and provisional rules.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
