Cameras have caught shocking behaviour of Aussies behind the wheel

The shocking behaviour of drivers in one Aussie state have been caught on camera following the installation of roadside safety cameras.

Safety cameras installed along some of Perth’s major roads have captured shocking driver behaviour that endangers their own lives but other road users as well.

The Road Safety Commission revealed since the cameras were switched on in January, 60,000 drivers were caught using their mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing it correctly.

The most disturbing images found by authorities were of unrestrained babies and children in front seats.

A person was also captured using a laptop while driving at high speeds.

Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said the images sent a clear message about the need to change cultural attitudes around road safety responsibility.

The Road Safety Commission revealed since the cameras were switched on in January, 60,000 drivers were caught using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt or not wearing it correctly. Image: Road Safety Commission WA.

“What we are seeing is evidence that together as a society, we need to take ownership of road safety every time we get behind the wheel,” he said.

“Quite frankly what we’re seeing has been truly disturbing and upsetting – children and babies unrestrained in front seat and people bypassing seatbelt alarms by jerry rigging the driver’s buckle.

“If you think this message doesn’t apply to you, please think again, the power to reduce the road toll lies in all our hands.”

In 2024, five people lost their lives on WA roads over the Easter long weekend, compared to ten deaths during the same period collectively in the five years before that.

The most disturbing images found by authorities were of unrestrained babies and children in front seats, and a person using a laptop while driving at high speeds. Picture: Road Safety Commission WA

Mr Warner said the images were a timely reminder for people to actively plan a safe trip ahead of the Easter long weekend.

“The fear of getting caught shouldn’t be your key reason to drive safe – keep yourself, your family and other road users safe,” he said.

“Don’t put your desire to arrive quickly ahead of your need to arrive alive.”

Mr Warner said authorities were committed to targeting poor driver behaviour through campaigns and initiatives like fixed and mobile safety cameras.

“But we need the community to wake-up and realise they are part of the solution,” he said.

Originally published as Cameras have caught shocking behaviour of Aussies behind the wheel