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
A driver or rider of a vehicle can only touch a mobile phone to make or receive a phone call if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle.
If the phone is not secured in a mounting, it cannot be touched at any time while driving. It can only be used hands-free to make or receive a phone call..
It is illegal for the driver of a vehicle to create, send or look at a text message, video message, email or similar communication, even when the phone is secured in a mounting or can be operated without touching it.
GPS may be used by a driver whilst driving if no touch of the keypad or screen is required.
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
| Offence | Penalty | Demerits |
|---|---|---|
| Touching or holding a mobile phone while not in a cradle to make, receive or end a voice call. | $500 | 3 |
| Creating, sending, or looking at a text, email, social media, photo, video or similar. | $1000 | 4 |
