The issue of mobile phone use while driving has become a more prominent one in the last few years, so to address this issue NSW will install a camera. New cameras will catch drivers who use mobile phones on NSW roads as well the driver will be fined. There will be no police intervention.
This step is considered as a “practical, technology-based solutions” to prevent mobile use while driving and make it harder for drivers to get away with the offence.
NSW will be the first Australian state to add the provision to use of camera technology in preventing mobile use offences as a part of NSW Government’s Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Road Safety) Bill 2018.
There will be a trial period before implementing the provision on the permanent base.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey believes that with this reform the NSW Government can achieve it’s road safety goals.
“NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce legislation like the Road Safety Bill, showing this Government’s ongoing commitment to road safety as technology and societal trends change,” Mrs Pavey said in a statement.
Minister also added, “Driving under the influence of drugs has emerged as a significant factor in our road toll, along with alcohol, speeding, fatigue and mobile phone distraction.”
As per the state government's road safety website, "In total, drivers illegally using mobile phones have been involved in 184 crashes between 2012 and 2017, resulting in seven deaths and 105 injuries."
Expert Opinion:
As per Road Safety Expert Mr Ronak Shah," It shouldn’t come as a surprise to us that the reason behind the recent increase in road accidents and deaths in New South Wales has been due to people being distracted by mobile phones.”
As per the current rules in NSW Learner, P1 and P2 are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving. They must be parked out of the flow of traffic to use their phone in any way.
As Mr Ronak Shah so rightfully states, “It is so easy to become distracted by your mobile phone, and you may think, “I’ll just have a quick look”, but taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds could be catastrophic, and put others in danger.”
Mr Ronak welcomes the announcements to introduce speed-camera-style technology to detect illegal mobile phone use and says “Although it is only in the beginning stages, this kind of technology could save many lives and cause people to think twice before pulling out their mobile phone behind the wheel,”
Penalty:
Currently, The penalty for illegal use of a mobile phone is four demerit points, which would exceed the Learner and P1 driver’s threshold, leading to a three-month licence suspension.
For P2 drivers, they would only have three demerit points remaining after being penalised for illegal use of a mobile phone.
Fully licenced drivers can only use their phone if it hands-free, to play audio, make or answer a call or for navigation. However, the mobile phones cannot be nestled in laps or cradled between the shoulder and ear.
The penalty for not adhering to these rules is four demerit points and is included in the double demerit periods.
Tips for Safety:
Here are some useful tips to avoid illegal mobile phone use:
- Get Bluetooth setup or installed in your vehicle
- Wait until you park to use your phone/ pull over safely if it is urgent
- Put your phone on silent (or do not disturb on an iPhone)
- Divert your calls to voicemail
The legislative reforms will come into effect from 1 July 2018.
