Put your phone down in the car

Despite it being against the law to use your cellphone when driving, more and more Kiwis are floating the rules and using their mobiles while mobile.

But growing concerns over phone use behind the wheel have led to Vodafone and the Automobile Association joining forces to encourage drivers to leave the phone alone.

They have enlisted the talents of popular Kiwi personalities, How to Dad (aka Jordan Watson) and The Cougar Boys (a Kiwi comical sketch team) to get the message out on YouTube videos.

Studies here show 3 per cent of drivers at any time will be illegally using a phone to talk, message or go online.

Drivers being distracted or not paying attention is one of the most common factors involved in crashes, and technology-related driver distraction has become a major road safety risk.

“We have far, far too many drivers using their phone behind the wheel and it is killing and injuring people,” said AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen.

“People know it is against the law, but the problem is they do not see it as risky.”

Vodafone health, safety and wellbeing manager, Max Riley, said the company reached out to the AA to see what they could do together to help raise awareness.

“We want people to use technology to stay connected and enrich their lives, and we want them to do it safely. If your smart phone has a ‘do not disturb while driving’ mode, switch it on. This will block all texts, notifications and calls, and let your contacts know you’ll be back in touch when you reach your destination,” he said. “As the NZTA has advised, it takes two seconds and could save your life.”