Adelaide motorists are being reminded to keep their eyes on the road and phones out of reach, with the new mobile phone detection cameras set to become operational this week across five key locations.
Starting from Wednesday June 19th, these cameras aim to curb the dangerous trend of distracted driving in SA, with distraction “one of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma.”
The mobile phone detection cameras will be active at five key locations across Adelaide:
- Southern Expressway
- South Road
- North South Motorway
- Port Road
- Port Wakefield Road
These locations have been selected due to their high traffic volumes and history of incidents related to distracted driving.
Over the past five years, more than 31,000 drivers have been fined a total of $13 million for using their mobile phones while driving, according to SA Police.
To address this issue, Adelaide’s new cameras will initially operate on a warning basis for three months until September, where offending drivers will receive warnings rather than fines.
RAA reminds drivers its best to put phones away completely to avoid being distracted. If drivers want to use their phones for navigation, it must be in a dedicated holder that does not obstruct their view. RAA also reminds SA motorists that:
- Mobile phone use is only permitted when the vehicle is legally parked with the handbrake engaged.
- For calls, Bluetooth or hands-free technology is recommended, and calls should be kept brief.
- Setting navigation or adjusting audio should be done before setting off or while legally parked.
- Learner and P1 drivers are strictly prohibited from using their phones for any purpose, including navigation or hands-free calls.
“These new mobile phone detection cameras being operational should serve as a timely reminder for drivers not to ever be tempted to touch their phone when they’re driving,” RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain said.
“You’re four times more likely to be involved in a crash while using a mobile phone – so it’s best to put your device away completely until you reach your destination.
“If you want to use GPS or navigation on your phone, the Australian Road Rules (Reg 300) makes it clear that your phone needs to be secured in a cradle that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose and is affixed to the vehicle – nor should it obstruct your visibility.”
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