Drivers still ignore risks of phone use

ALMOST four drivers a day are being caught with their phone while behind the wheel in North Queensland, in what the state’s peak motoring described as “shocking”.

In Queensland more than 31,000 motorists were charged with mobile offences between February 2017 and January 2019, according to State Government data, analysed by the RACQ. In the North, 2517 drivers were nabbed, while the bulk of the offences happened in Brisbane (12,000).

The southeast region recorded 6700 offences, followed by the central (5717) and the southern regions (3993).

“These statistics are shocking and sadly show that Queenslanders aren’t getting the message on how deadly this behaviour is,” RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said. “If you’re distracted by a phone, you’re at least four times more likely to have a crash. There’s no excuse for this behaviour because when you’re sending a text or checking social media behind the wheel, you’re not only risking your own life but the lives of everyone else around you.”

Townsville Police Inspector Sean Dugger said the statistics were disappointing despite North Queensland having the least amount of offences in the state.

“Despite the education, the publicity and the messaging that mobile phones is as dangerous as drink driving and speeding and the other fatal five with regards to distraction … people still don’t heed the message.

“The tragedy of this is they are not only putting their own lives as risk, but they are putting the lives of other road users who are complying with all the road rules in great danger.”

Insp Dugger said Townsville police actively targeted motorists using their phones while driving.

In June, the Government announced it was proposing $1000 on-the-spot fines for drivers caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

The proposed fine is more than double the current penalty and would make the laws the toughest in the country.

There was also a push to take away the licences of those caught a second time.

IF YOU’RE DISTRACTED BY A PHONE, YOU’RE AT LEAST FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A CRASH. LAUREN RITCHIE