SA Police catch 483 motorists who were driving while distracted in five-day crackdown
Almost everyone has seen a driver using their phone — and a police blitz nabbed almost 100 of them each weekday last week.
- More police directed on to roads to target fatal behaviours
- SA Police catch almost 4400 drivers taking risks with kids in the car
- Meth driver caught with children in the back
Disappointed police handed out almost 500 fines in just five days to distracted drivers whose behaviour they have described as irresponsible and incredibly selfish.
A statewide crackdown between Monday and Friday last week nabbed 483 motorists who were driving while distracted, including using a mobile phone or other electronic devices.
The concerning figures are further highlighted by a survey that reveals 55 per cent of respondents find mobile phones to be the biggest distraction while driving.
Child passengers (28 per cent), pets in vehicles (23 per cent), GPS devices (23 per cent) and DVD screens (22 per cent) were also considered major distractions.
The RAA’s 2019 driver behaviour survey of 532 motorists also shows:
96 PER CENT have seen a driver illegally using a mobile phone.
56 PER CENT have witnessed this behaviour frequently or very frequently.
35 PER CENT personally knew a driver who illegally used a mobile phone.
RAA Road Safety senior manager Charles Mountain said driving while distracted by a mobile phone could have catastrophic consequences.
“Drivers not only risk a $534 fine for illegally using a mobile phone, they are also putting themselves, their passengers and other road users safety at risk,’’ Mr Mountain said.
“Unfortunately, the RAA’s survey shows a majority of respondents regularly see drivers using a mobile illegally despite the well-known dangers of doing so.
“The survey also shows motorists rated mobile phones as the biggest distraction while driving so the RAA’s advice is to turn the phone off before you start driving to avoid the temptation.”
SA Police Traffic Support Branch officer-in-charge Superintendent Bob Gray said he was concerned by the high number of drivers caught during Operation Fatal Distraction last week.
“Distraction is one of the biggest killers of South Australian drivers and these results are incredibly disappointing to read,” he said.
“There are 72 South Australians who have died on our roads so far this year and yet there is clearly still a section of our motoring community who aren’t listening to our messages.
“If your focus isn’t 100 per cent on the road while driving then you’re not only being irresponsible but you’re being incredibly selfish.
“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, is a potentially fatal decision.
“Operation Fatal Distraction has concluded but I assure you we will continue to target those doing the wrong thing so we can work towards safe, fatal free roads in South Australia.”