The Minister for Police, Bob Cameron, has praised Victoria Police for cracking down on motorists who drive while using hand-held mobile phones.
Mr Cameron said figures released today show police issued more than 40,000 on-the-spot infringements last year for driving while using a hand-held mobile phone.
“In 2007, police issued 40,526 infringements, or more than 110 infringements per day for using a mobile phone while driving,” Mr Cameron said.
“It’s disappointing so many people are risking the lives of others. Motorists need to heed the warning, if you’re on the phone, get off the road.
“The statistics show men are the biggest culprits when it comes to using a phone when driving. Last year 28,656 men were caught driving while on the phone, compared to 12,442 women.”
Mr Cameron said research showed the risk of being involved in a collision was four times higher when using a mobile phone than when not using one.
“Research shows drivers using handheld mobile phones have impaired reaction times and decision-making processes. They also have trouble maintaining speed and keeping safe distances,” he said.
Mr Cameron said talking on a mobile phone usually involved other tasks which could also distract drivers, such as noting down numbers or text messaging.
Assistant Commissioner Traffic and Transit safety, Ken Lay said police were focusing on drivers using hand-held mobile phones.
“Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers because their focus isn’t on the road or controlling their vehicle,” he said.
“We all know how scary it can be to see a car swerving as a driver talks away on a hand held mobile phone.
“The message is clear - if you must use your phone, get off the road to a safe place,” he said.
Mr Cameron said regulations introduced last year would also help nurture safe driving among motorists from the learner stage.
“Since 1 July 2007, all Victorian learner drivers have been banned from any form of mobile phone use, including hands-free devices,” he said.
The penalty for driving while using a handheld mobile phone is a $145 on the spot fine and three demerit points.
My Lay said there was a disturbing trend of more and more serious or even fatal collisions involving drivers using mobile phones.
“It has become common practice for police to check mobile phones at collision sites – for text messages received or being typed, for numbers dialed and phone calls received,” Mr Lay said.
“Victoria Police knows mobile phone use is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do.
“As these drivers do not have proper control of the vehicle and are not concentrating on driving, using a mobile phone is dangerous and we will continue to target those motorist who choose to do the wrong thing.”
A number of operations targeting mobile phone use will take place between now and the end of June as part of the TAC Enhanced Enforcement Program, both in metro areas and regional centers such as Bendigo, Shepparton and Mildura.
Research Source: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. (2002). The Risk of Using a Mobile Phone While Driving. Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions; UK.
Infringements by Suburbs
ABBOTSFORD 157
BALLARAT 264
BENDIGO 226
BENTLEIGH 286
BLACKBURN 246
BOX HILL 640
BRIGHTON 568
BRUNSWICK 736
BULLEEN 172
BUNDOORA 229
BURWOOD 193
CAMBERWELL 373
CARLTON 361
CAULFIELD 215
CHELTENHAM 218
CLAYTON 232
COLLINGWOOD 302
CRANBOURNE 391
DANDENONG 536
DONCASTER 634
DONVALE 165
ELSTERNWICK 205
ELTHAM 593
EPPING 527
ESSENDON 316
FAWKNER 223
FITZROY 304
FOOTSCRAY 294
FRANKSTON 386
GEELONG 231
GLEN WAVERLEY 260
GREENSBOROUGH 171
HAWTHORN 280
HEIDELBERG 377
HOPPERS CROSSING 262
KEW 324
LAVERTON 225
MALVERN 330
MELBOURNE 2,805
MELTON 156
MOONEE PONDS 201
MOORABBIN 450
MORNINGTON 216
MOUNT WAVERLEY 203
NARRE WARREN 214
NOBLE PARK 206
NORTH MELBOURNE 159
NUNAWADING 391
OAKLEIGH 160
PASCOE VALE 538
PRAHRAN 663
PRESTON 555
ROWVILLE 240
SHEPPARTON 286
SOUTH MELBOURNE 436
SOUTH YARRA 904
SOUTHBANK 332
SPRINGVALE 156
ST KILDA 705
THOMASTOWN 498
TRARALGON 167
WANTIRNA 203
WERRIBEE 259
WINDSOR 191
WODONGA 283