The modern world has brought us many conveniences, but with them come new challenges and temptations, particularly when it comes to road safety. The advent of mobile phones has revolutionized communication, but their use while driving has become a significant concern. This issue has been highlighted in a recent trial by South Australia Police, which revealed a 'frightening' number of drivers caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

During a one-month trial period that began in June, mobile phone detection cameras were installed at five locations across Adelaide. The results were staggering: three drivers were caught a shocking 19 times each. Additionally, two drivers were detected 18 times, and four motorists were caught on 15 separate occasions. These figures suggest a persistent disregard for road safety among some drivers, despite the well-known risks.


One particularly notable incident captured by the cameras involved a driver with a cat on his lap and a phone in his hand, a clear example of dangerous multitasking. Superintendent Darren Fielke of South Australia Police expressed concern over the prolific offending, stating, '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.'


During the trial, police issued only warning notices to those caught in the act. However, once the trial ends on September 19, drivers will face a hefty fine of $658 and three demerit points for each offense. The three drivers caught the most number of times during the trial would have faced fines totaling $12,500 each, illustrating the potential financial consequences of such behavior.


Superintendent Fielke emphasized the opportunity for South Australian drivers to change their habits during the grace period. 'Distraction, including mobile phone use, is a significant contributor to crashes of all types on our roads,' he said. 'Drivers who are not getting the message need to change their driving behavior 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.'

The locations of the five detection cameras are strategically placed on major roads and expressways, including South Rd at Torrensville, The Southern Expressway in Darlington, The North-South Motorway at Regency Park, Port Wakefield Rd at Gepps Cross, and Port Rd in Hindmarsh. These areas are known for high traffic volumes, making the presence of such cameras crucial for enforcing road safety.

As we at the Seniors Discount Club always stress, safety is paramount, especially on the road. It's essential for drivers of all ages to recognize the dangers of mobile phone use while driving. Not only does it put the driver at risk, but it also endangers passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.


We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on this trial. Have you noticed an increase in distracted driving in your area? What measures do you think could effectively curb mobile phone use while driving? Your insights are valuable, and we look forward to reading your comments below.
Remember, road safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's all do our part to keep our roads safe and distraction-free.