The number of people using a mobile phone while driving remains relatively unchanged over the past five years, according to the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA).
On average, 12,363 mobile phone offences are detected each year. During a typical month, police detect an average of 713 offences. The figure more than doubles to an average of 1,607 per month during the police’s “Operation Distraction” campaigns.
“Motorists are well aware of the risks associated with mobile phone use, yet they continue to put themselves and others at risk by using their phones while driving,” said RAA Senior Manager for Road Safety Charles Mountain. “Each time South Australia police conduct Operation Distraction they highlight the severity of this problem, clearly showing motorists are not getting the message. If police had the resources to run Operation Distraction throughout the year, we expect we would get a more accurate representation of illegal phone use behind the wheel.”
The RAA is calling on motorists to take more responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.
“Put the phone out of reach or turn it off – whatever it takes. Motorists need to take action to avoid getting distracted by their mobile phones,” Mr Mountain added.
