The easy way you could lose your driver's licence this Christmas
We’ve been told time and time again to put away our phones when behind the wheel, but it seems as if the message still isn’t hitting home with many drivers.
With close to 850 people a week caught using their mobile phones while driving, over the Christmas period laws are about to get a whole lot tougher, with 10 demerit points added to your licence if you’re caught taking part in the illegal activity.
Statistics show that 15 per cent of motorists are choosing not to follow the rules because they believe they won’t get caught, and in the last financial year, authorities saw a 20 per cent increase of people who use their phones while on the road.
Australian police have handed out close to 42,000 fines regarding illegal mobile phone use.
“If you get caught over the Christmas period and you’ve been caught before, you are almost certainly going to lose your licence,” said Peter Khoury, a spokesperson for the NRMA to 10 News First.
“On top of all of that, the number of people being killed because of this behaviour is far too high,” he said.
When looking at the numbers, it’s scary to see so many fatalities on the road being caused by mobile phone use – 1 in 15 to be exact.
And that number keeps growing, despite campaigns and constant reminders for drivers to put their phones away. The risky habit has increased by 18 per cent since 2014-15.
“There are more smartphones in this country per capita than anywhere else and we know that young people in particular are at risk. When you look at fatalities among young people, about 40 per cent are as a result of people using their phones,” said Mr Khoury.
Mr Khoury has offered his advice for those that find it hard to ditch the habit.
“If the temptation is too great, put the phone in the glove box. If you can reach the glove box, put it in the boot.”
To combat the issue even further, new technology is currently being tested throughout NSW that gives police the opportunity to look inside people’s cars to see if they are using their mobile phones.
The NRMA is on board with the initiative as long as it comes with warning signs.
“Education … backed up by strong enforcement is the most effective way to stop people using their phones illegally behind the wheel,” said Mr Khoury.
Depending on the state you live in, the consequences may differ.
Most states introduce double demerits throughout the holiday period.
Mobile phone use penalties per state:
- New South Wales: Five demerit points and a fine
- Victoria: Four demerit points and a $476 fine
- Queensland: Three demerit points and a $391 fine
- South Australia: Three demerit points and a $334 fine
- Western Australia: Three demerit points and a $400 fine
- Tasmania: Three demerit points and a $300 fine
- Australian Capital Territory: Four demerit points and a $548 fine
- Northern Territory: Three demerit points and a $250 fine