Toowoomba Driving School owner says cameras targeting distracted drivers part of road safety solution

A Toowoomba driving instructor has welcomed cameras targeting drivers using their phones while behind the wheel, but warns it’s only part of the road safety solution.

A Toowoomba driving instructor has welcomed the rollout of cameras to catch drivers breaking mobile phone and seatbelt rules, but warned the cameras themselves will not be a silver bullet to address Queensland road safety.

From July 26, hi-tech roadside and fixed cameras targeting drivers using their phones behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt will be deployed throughout Queensland.

While there will be a grace period for motorists busted using their phones or not wearing a seatbelt, from November 1 drivers could cop a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points if detected using their phone behind the wheel, or a $413 penalty if caught without a seatbelt.

Toowoomba Driving School owner-operator Glenda Knight said distraction behind the wheel was a big issue for drivers of all experience levels.

“I emphasise to all my students the fatal five: speed, fatigue, drink, drug and distraction,” she said.

“A distraction of just a split second is all it takes to be deadly, and there’s a mentality that we’ve got to be connected to the world 24/7.”

A driver caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel during the trial phase of new camera technology designed to detect motorists using their phones or driving without a seatbelt.

While Ms Knight said the heavy fines and penalties had an impact on drivers, and that cameras could be a useful enforcement tool, she said education was also a key factor in contributing to road safety.

“I think for a lot of people, and I see it in young people especially, there’s an attitude that they’re invincible and crashes are things that happen to other people,” she said.

“I also wonder with the cameras if they’ll be able to identify the driver, or will the fines just go to the registered owner of the vehicle?

“I do think the big fines are a deterrent and the cameras will be a good way to enforce the penalties, but driver education is an important thing too.”

Toowoomba Driving School owner-operator Glenda Knight talks about road safety. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ms Knight said that she told her students to turn their phones off, and leave them in the back seat, so there was no risk of temptation or distraction.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said distracted driving was a silent killer on the state’s roads, likening it to drink driving.

“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said.

“Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.

“From July 26, the cameras will be out on roads across the state ready to spot drivers using their phones when they’re driving.

“Some of the cameras will be mobile, and we won’t be telling people where they are either.”

Mr Bailey acknowledged the penalties were tough, but said they were necessary to stamp out driver distraction.

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said the organisation welcomed the introduction of mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras across Queensland to improve road safety.

“We know on average around 29 people are killed and more than 1000 others are seriously injured every year on Queensland roads as a result of crashes where driver distraction played a part,” Ms Smith said.

The rollout comes after a horror run of fatalities on Toowoomba roads, including a crash between an SUV and truck that claimed the life of at least two people on Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road.

Camera rollout facts:

• The cameras will start operating on Monday, July 26 2021.

• There will be a three-month period where warning notices will be given before fines start being handed out.

• Fines will start being issued to anyone caught by the cameras from November 1.

• The cameras will be in operation anywhere, anytime.

• The current penalty for using a mobile phone is $1033 and four demerit points.

• The current penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is $413 and three demerit points.