If you can’t get off your phone while driving then you might find yourself with an expiation notice far worse than your phone bill.
Operation Fatal Distraction began today, with South Australia Police targeting drivers using mobile phones in an ongoing bid to reduce crashes caused by distracted drivers.
The state-wide operation will focus on distraction based offences in relation to mobile phone use, interacting with social media and any other behaviour which may cause inattention.
Driving is a complex task and using a mobile phone for any reason while driving can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time, ability to maintain speed and ability to judge safe gaps in traffic.
In 2019 there were 46 lives lost in collisions where distraction was a contributing factor. In 2020 we have already seen 24 lives lost due to distraction.
“Now more than ever people are relying on their phones to connect with loved ones they cannot physically visit,” said Superintendent Bob Gray, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch.
“But your phone call, texts or video chats can wait when you’re behind the wheel. We know that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing, so don’t gamble with your life.
“Even if you’re just driving a short distance to the supermarket or doctors, there’s no excuse for even just glancing at your phone.
“Drivers are aware of the laws and they are also aware of the risk of being distracted by apps when their eyes should be on the road.
“Crashes can happen in a split second – if your eyes are on your phone, you won’t see changes before it’s too late to take action.
“There’s so much uncertainty going on in the world right now. But one thing that’s certain is that causing a crash or taking a life because you picked up your phone is not the choice you want to make.”
Operation Fatal Distraction began at 12:01am on Monday 4 May 2020 and will end at 11:59pm on Friday 8 May 2020.
