Leave Your Phone Alone

1. The dangers of distraction

Driving is a complex task. Anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel, not only compromises your safety, but that of everyone else on the road.

Make sure you know the rules about mobile phone use when driving and watch our animated video.

Mobile phone detection cameras operate across NSW targeting illegal phone use. The program includes both fixed and transportable trailer-mounted cameras. Along with regular enforcement operations by NSW Police, these cameras target illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.

Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as traffic lights, stop signs or other road users, including pedestrians and bicycle riders. Avoid the temptation of using your mobile phone illegally while driving:

• Use a mobile phone cradle fitted in your vehicle.
• Get Bluetooth set up or installed in your vehicle.
• Get a passenger to answer your messages/calls.
• Put your phone on silent.
• Activate the 'Do not disturb while driving' function on your phone (e.g. Apple iOS or Android).
• Tell others not to call or text you when you’re driving.
• Divert your calls to voicemail.
• Pull over when and where it’s safe and legal to do so.

2. Mobile phone detection cameras

The mobile phone detection camera program includes fixed and transportable cameras that operate at locations across the network. Coupled with ongoing enforcement by NSW Police, these cameras target illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.

From 1 March 2020 mobile phone detection cameras will be enforcing illegal use of mobile phones while driving or riding. The penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $349 fine ($464 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods.

NSW Police continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.

3. Are you driving blind?

Research shows that being distracted when driving, such as by a mobile phone, increases the risk of a crash. Simply taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, doubles the risk of a crash.

At 60 km/h if you look at your phone while driving for just two seconds, you travel 33 metres blind. A short lapse of concentration can have lifelong consequences.

See how far you travel at different speeds when you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds:

Make sure you know the rules about mobile phone use when driving.