More using phone while at the wheel

MORE drivers are being caught illegally using their phones than driving drunk, as police target electronic fiddling behind the wheel.

Police figures show the number of people caught using their phones while driving has risen every year since the law change, and more than doubled since 2011.

Last year 21,148 fines were issued for texting, calling and other phone-related distractions, totalling more than $1.67 million in penalties.

For the first time the number of people caught illegally using phones overtook the number of people caught drink-driving, which was 20,978 last year.

Phones and other distractions, such as fiddling with an iPod or applying lipstick, accounted for more than one in 10 crashes, killing 22 people last year.

In addition, a further 191 people received serious injuries, and police estimate distractions on the road cost the country nearly $300m.

Superintendent

Steve

Greally, road policing national manager, said police were concerned people were simply flouting the law.

‘‘Given that the law has been in place for more than five years now, there really is no excuse for drivers to keep offending.’’

The steady rise since the ban had been introduced was partly down to improved enforcement, but also the rising prevalence of mobile technology, Greally said .

‘‘Technology is so much cheaper, so much easier and so much more a part of our lives.’’

There seemed to be a mistaken belief that people could multi-task while driving, one that was having horrific consequences, he said.

‘‘People think, ‘I’m only doing 50kmh’ but what if a child runs in front of you and your eyes aren’t on the road?’’

Automobile Association road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen said studies had shown talking on your mobile while driving increased your risk of crashing fourfold. The risk was even higher for texting.

However, this message did not seem to be getting through, with surveys finding between one in seven and one in 40 Kiwi drivers were using phones on the road.

‘‘We know a lot more people are illegally using their phones than are getting caught,’’ Thomsen said.

Using your phone behind the wheel is illegal even while you are stationary at the lights, unless you use a hands-free set.

But Greally said he would prefer that drivers just turned off their phones or put them in the glovebox.

In addition to the use of mobile phones, Greally said police were pulling people up for applying makeup, shaving and other distracting tasks.

While such things were not explicitly illegal, they could earn you a careless driving charge.

‘‘I’ve heard of people reading while they drive – that is clearly careless,’’ Greally said.

Using your phone behind the wheel carries a penalty of $80, and 20 demerits points. Repeat offending can eventually cost you your licence. Careless driving charges can also land you in court, with a maximum fine of $3000 and the loss of one’s licence.