Phone distraction a cause of road crashes
Safety on our roads in Franklin is a high priority for police.
In recent times, when we have been out on patrol either foot patrol or out in the vehicle, we have noticed a large number of people still using their mobile phones while driving - whether it be talking on them or eyes averted downward looking at a phone. This practice is dangerous and against the law.
Research shows that drivers using a mobile phone while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. This is because drivers: Are less aware of what is happening around them Fail to see road signs or signals Fail to maintain proper lane position and a steady speed Tailgate vehicles in front React more slowly and take longer to brake
Are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic. Distraction occurs not only from the physical manipulation of the phone but also from the cognitive load and divided attention associated with using the mobile phone.
The research is very clear that the use of mobile phones poses a heightened level of distraction and poses a risk to all road users.
Just the other day I witnessed a near miss on a pedestrian crossing where a person was distracted by their phone and nearly ran into the back of a vehicle that had stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the road.
You are permitted to use a mobile phone if it is connected to a hands free device so long as the phone is in a mounting fixed and does not need to be moved or physically manipulated.
This does not mean the phone on speaker on your knee, it does not mean holding the phone away from your face on speaker.
If you are driving and do need to respond to a call or a text message, please pull over where it is safe to do so and respond.
Road safety is all of our responsibility and distraction is a major contributor to road deaths in this country.
If you are using your mobile phone while driving you can expect to be stopped and receive an infringement notice.