In a month where ACT Policing focussed its attention on the issue of driver distraction, 140 motorists were issued with Traffic Infringement Notices and another 49 were cautioned for these and related traffic offences.
Of the 140 drivers issued with TINs, 130 were fined for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving and nine others were issued with a TIN for failing to drive without proper control of their vehicle.
ACT Policing has revealed that a driver travelling in an 80km/h zone who is distracted from the road ahead for three seconds is effectively driving a distance of 60 metres blindfolded.
Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Operations Sergeant Mark Steel said that alarming scenario highlighted the importance that driving is a skill that requires your full attention.
“Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road could result in a collision and the potential for loss of life,” Sergeant Mark Steel said.
“Three seconds (such as checking a mobile text message, dealing with the kids in the back seat or applying make-up) whereby a driver’s attention is taken away from the road could have fatal consequences.”
ACT Policing targeted driver distraction throughout the month of August as part of its multi-agency road safety strategy. As part of this strategy, the target for September will shift to Traffic Control offences.
[Courtesy ACT Policing]
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