2000 drivers caught red-handed with mobile phone behind the wheel
REVEALED: The number of drivers busted using phones, and how law enforcement is cracking down.
Townsville
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Shocking new data has revealed almost 2000 drivers were busted on North Queensland roads using their phones, and police aren’t copping it.
During 2018 and 2019, the Department of Transport and Main Roads recorded 27,490 Queensland motorists using a handheld device, with 1947 of those fines handed out in the Northern region alone.
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Townsville’s Road Policing Unit Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Robert Nalder was shocked by the figures.
He said he had had to attend fatalities caused by motorists using a phone while driving and wished the message would get through that no phone call or text message was worth more than a life.
“I have, it was where a passenger was killed,” Sgt Nalder said. “It just shows us that it was an absolute tragedy when it could have been avoided.
“The driver has to live with it and the family and friends of the deceased do too.”
Sgt Nalder said law enforcers were cracking down on road safety, with particular attention on phone use.
“I know that magistrates and government are treating the use of mobile phones increasingly seriously so we as a community should also reflect that,” Sgt Nalder said.
“When I’m driving around in my own car I often see people using their phones, so I’m sure others do too.
“In the three seconds that it could take you to send a short text message or dial a phone number you could quite competently have covered about 50 metres in a 60km/h zone, which is half a football field.”
Tougher penalties were introduced this year, with drivers slapped with a $1000 fine if caught using their phone while driving.
If caught a second time, it would cost them a loss of licence.
After seeing the latest figures, RACQ wants a mobile phone detection camera trial fast tracked and implemented across the state immediately.
Spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said the dangers of distraction were well known and drivers were putting lives at risk by using their phone while driving.
“The mobile phone cameras were due to be rolled out in April but delayed due to COVID-19,” Ms Ritchie said.
“But now that the police have returned to regular enforcement, including mobile speed cameras and RBT operations, we believe it’s time the planned trial got under way.”
Originally published as 2000 drivers caught red-handed with mobile phone behind the wheel