Using a mobile phone whilst driving can be distracting. Research shows that using a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone while driving may increase your chance of a fatal crash by as much as four times.

 

Did you know that while your vehicle is moving or stationary (but not parked), as a driver you may only use a mobile phone to make or receive a call. You can also only use the audio playing function if the mobile phone is secured in a fixed mounting or the mobile phone does not require you to touch or manipulate the phone in any way.

 

All other functions such as text-messaging, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are prohibited.

 

While your vehicle is moving or stationary (but not parked), as a driver you must not hold your mobile phone in your hand other than to pass the phone to a passenger.

 

A mobile phone’s GPS (or other driver’s aid) function may only be used if the phone is secured in a commercially designed and manufactured fixed mounting and the mounting is fixed in a location that will not distract or obscure your view of the road in any way.

 

Learner and P1 drivers and riders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding.

 

Mobile phone use can distract novice drivers and riders from the driving task. Studies have found that using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous as it slows reaction times and interferes with a driver’s perception and hazard skills and increases the chance of being involved in a collision.

 

The penalty for mobile phone use is three demerit points (or four if the offence occurs in a school zone) and a fine.

 

Deciding when it is safe to turn in traffic is a complex task. Using a mobile phone while driving affects judgement and concentration and you may fail to choose a safe gap. If you don’t make safe turns you could collide with another vehicle, object or pedestrian.

 

You generally react slower when using a mobile phone, particularly when you’re deep in conversation. You may take longer to respond to traffic signals or completely miss them.

During a mobile phone call your brake reaction time is slower, and you brake with more force and less control which results in shorter stopping distances available between yourself and the car in front of your vehicle.

You’re also more likely to wander out of your lane when you’re using a mobile phone, even on a straight road with little traffic.

A mobile phone can be important in an emergency. If you need to use your mobile phone to call for help in  an emergency, stop and park safely where you will not endanger other road users before using a mobile phone.