Attention, Aussie drivers! Avoid a $556 fine with this little-known road rule
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It's time to put down those mobile phones and focus on the road.
South Australia is rolling out new enforcement that could hit your wallet hard if you're caught distracted.
The state is cracking down on a little-known road rule, and ignorance won't save you from a hefty $556 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
South Australia has recently implemented mobile phone detection cameras as part of a significant $16 million safety initiative aimed at reducing road fatalities.
These high-tech eyes have been trialling throughout 2024, and the results are in: too many drivers are still reaching for their phones while behind the wheel.
During the initial trials, an alarming number of drivers were caught in the act. In just two months, 71,044 drivers were spotted using their phones, and a subsequent trial in July nabbed another 31,000.
These figures are more than just statistics; they represent a widespread issue of distraction that could lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
The grace period provided by the authorities, which allowed drivers to adjust to the new surveillance without financial penalty, will end on Tuesday, 19 September.
From this date forward, the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving have become a reality, with fines and demerit points actively being enforced.
Superintendent Darren Fielke from the Traffic Services Branch expressed disappointment at the trial results.
'The cameras recorded at least one distracted motorist driving with their mobile phone less than every two minutes—this shows the extent of the issue relating to distraction we have on our roads,' Superintendent Fielke said.
‘We are giving South Australian drivers ample opportunity to change their driver behaviour and stop using a mobile phone while they are driving through this grace period.
'Distraction, including mobile phone use, is a significant contributor to crashes of all types on our roads.’
'Drivers who are not getting the message need to change their driving behaviour very quickly, or they’ll lose their licence, which in some cases could be their livelihood, or worst of all kill themselves or another innocent road user,’ he added.
Have you found hands-free technology helpful, or do you have tips for other drivers on how to avoid the temptation of using your phone while driving? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
South Australia is rolling out new enforcement that could hit your wallet hard if you're caught distracted.
The state is cracking down on a little-known road rule, and ignorance won't save you from a hefty $556 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
South Australia has recently implemented mobile phone detection cameras as part of a significant $16 million safety initiative aimed at reducing road fatalities.
These high-tech eyes have been trialling throughout 2024, and the results are in: too many drivers are still reaching for their phones while behind the wheel.
Doing this common act may cost you a $556 fine. Credit: Shutterstock
During the initial trials, an alarming number of drivers were caught in the act. In just two months, 71,044 drivers were spotted using their phones, and a subsequent trial in July nabbed another 31,000.
These figures are more than just statistics; they represent a widespread issue of distraction that could lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
The grace period provided by the authorities, which allowed drivers to adjust to the new surveillance without financial penalty, will end on Tuesday, 19 September.
From this date forward, the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving have become a reality, with fines and demerit points actively being enforced.
Superintendent Darren Fielke from the Traffic Services Branch expressed disappointment at the trial results.
'The cameras recorded at least one distracted motorist driving with their mobile phone less than every two minutes—this shows the extent of the issue relating to distraction we have on our roads,' Superintendent Fielke said.
‘We are giving South Australian drivers ample opportunity to change their driver behaviour and stop using a mobile phone while they are driving through this grace period.
'Distraction, including mobile phone use, is a significant contributor to crashes of all types on our roads.’
'Drivers who are not getting the message need to change their driving behaviour very quickly, or they’ll lose their licence, which in some cases could be their livelihood, or worst of all kill themselves or another innocent road user,’ he added.
Have you found hands-free technology helpful, or do you have tips for other drivers on how to avoid the temptation of using your phone while driving? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
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. I’m hoping to trade it in within the next 6-12 months so I don’t want to outlay any money other than essential upkeep towards it. 
