Mobile phones and distractions

Know the Distance of Distraction

Distracted drivers are a serious risk on our roads. In 2020, 20 fatalities were the result of inattention-related crashes. Between 2016 and 2020, inattention-related crashes resulted in 524 people killed or seriously injured.

Most drivers and road users know that using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, but a call, text or post is not the only reason we are distracted behind the wheel.

Mobile phones, activity along the street, children in the back seat, adjusting vehicle or radio settings or eating a snack can all cause a driver to be distracted from their most important task – driving safely.

If you glance away from the road when driving for just two seconds at 60km/h, you're effectively driving blind for 33 metres. Even worse, at 100km/h, you miss 55 metres of road.

It might only be a second or two, but if you’re changing a song on your playlist, finding your sunnies, or even doing your make-up, you’re not looking at the road ahead.

Avoid All Distractions

• Turn off your mobile phone when driving.
• Adjust all vehicle controls before setting off.
• Turn off your MP3 player when driving.
• Take a break rather than eat, drink, smoke or groom yourself while driving.
• Check a map before starting the journey to know what lies ahead.
• Ask passengers to be quiet if you are having difficulty concentrating while driving.
• Ensure pets are properly restrained in the vehicle.
• Recognise what makes you distracted and avoid that activity when driving.
• Make sure the vehicle’s windscreens and mirrors are clean and unobstructed.

Mobile Phone Offences and Penalties

Drivers can use a mobile phone to make or receive a voice call while driving a vehicle if:

• the phone is secured in a mounting, or
• the driver doesn’t hold or touch the phone while doing so.

A driver can use a phone as a driver’s aid (e.g. GPS) if:

• the phone is secured in a mounting, AND
• the driver doesn’t hold or touch the phone while doing so.

It is illegal for the driver of a vehicle to touch, hold or use a phone for any other purpose including:

• creating, sending or looking at a text message, video message, email or similar communication;
• taking or viewing photos or videos;
• accessing or posting to social media;
• handing the phone to a passenger;
• managing content being accessed by a passenger; and
• turning the phone on or off.

The mounting used to secure a phone must be attached to the vehicle.

It is illegal to use any part of your body to hold or rest your phone while driving.

All the same rules apply to people riding motorcycles, bikes, eRideables, etc. However, riders can use a mounting attached to their arm rather than to the vehicle.

To learn more about mobile phones and distractions, and to take the road safety quiz, visit our Get Streetwise website.

Take the mobile phones Get Streetwise Quiz