visit raa.com.au
The grace period for Adelaide’s mobile phone detection cameras is over, and RAA is reminding motorists not to risk a hit to the hip pocket – or the lives of other road users – by touching their mobile phone behind the wheel.
From today, fines of $556 (plus $102 VOC levy) will be issued to drivers caught using their phones by the five detection cameras – on the Southern Expressway at Darlington, South Road at Torrensville, North South Motorway at Regency Park, Port Road at Hindmarsh and Port Wakefield Road at Gepps Cross.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said distraction was a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities on SA roads.
“All forms of distraction – including mobile phone use – pose a massive risk to the safety of road users,” Mr Mountain said.
“When you’re looking at your phone you are not looking where you should be – at the road ahead.
“Drivers not only risk copping a fine if they use their phone behind the wheel, but the life-altering consequences that come with being involved in a crash where someone is seriously injured or killed.
“Ask yourself, would you be using your phone while driving if you were sharing the road with your brother, sister, son or daughter?”
The state’s peak motoring body is reminding drivers of the road rules surrounding mobile phone use, including:
“If you want to use your phone for navigation, the device must be in a mounting affixed to the vehicle that doesn’t obstruct your ability to see,” Mr Mountain said.
“Otherwise, put your phone away so you aren’t tempted to take your eyes off the road while you’re driving.
“It’s also a timely reminder to think about other forms of distraction in the car – such as adjusting the radio or air-con, using headphones or kids in the back seat – which can take our focus off the task of driving.”