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RAA is suggesting Christmas shoppers consider buying a mobile phone car mount for the driver in their lives – a gift which could potentially save them a $658 fine for touching their phone behind the wheel.
A dedicated mount or cradle is required if motorists want to use their phone for GPS navigation while driving and gives them somewhere safe to store their phone without needing to touch it or rest it on their body.
The state’s peak motoring body is reminding drivers that they are not permitted to hold or touch their mobile phone under the Australian Road Rules – and that includes resting it on their lap.
Doing so runs the risk of a $658 fine (including VOC levy) if caught by a police officer or one of five mobile phone detection cameras around Adelaide.
It also increases the risk of being distracted behind the wheel – one of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma.
Learner’s permit or provisional (P1) licence holders are not allowed to use any type of mobile phone function, such as GPS, hands-free or Bluetooth and should keep their phone stored away where it cannot become a distraction.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said a mobile phone mount was a worthwhile purchase.
“Mobile phones are ubiquitous in our lives and one of the main sources of distraction when we’re driving,” Mr Mountain said.
“Ideally, we recommend storing your phone away and out of view, so you’re not tempted to touch it or look at it while you’re driving.
“Having it floating around on your seat or in your cup holder can make it even more distracting if it slides or falls down the side of the seat.
“Further, if you’re on your full licence and want to use it for navigation, it must be affixed to your vehicle in a dedicated mount or cradle as per the Australian Road Rules.
“There are a range of car mounts available to suit different budgets and they make a great practical gift that will be used on a daily basis.”