02 Dec Dangers of using mobile phones while driving

It should come as no surprise that there are many dangers of using mobile phones while driving. This is because using a mobile, whether in the car or otherwise, requires attention from your eyes, brain and hands. 

And when all of which require your full attention to operate a vehicle, you can be sure that you are putting yourself and others in danger.

Some of the major dangers of using mobile phones while driving include:

• Reduced awareness of surroundings
• Compromised judgement of distances and road conditions
• Decreased reaction times

Research also demonstrates that a person using their phone whilst driving quadruples their probability of collision.

Not only is this a frightening statistic for the driver, but for pedestrians and other drivers that actively comply with road laws.

Legal consequences

Using a phone while driving is illegal across all states Australia wide and is strictly enforced. If you are caught using your phone whilst driving, you can be sure you’ll be caught with a hefty fine, no matter where you are in Australia.

As of August 2020, each state’s penalties currently stand at:

Queensland 

• Fines up to $1,000
• Loss of up to 4 demerit points
• Double demerits and possible loss of licence if caught twice in one year

New South Wales

• Fines up to $2,200
• Loss of up to 5 demerit points

Victoria 

• $484 on the spot fine
• Loss of up to 4 demerit points

Tasmania 

• Fines up to $344 
• Loss of up to 3 demerit points

South Australia

• Fines up to $544
• Loss of up to 3 demerit points

Western Australia

• Fines up to $1,000
• Loss of up to 4 demerit points

Northern Territory 

• Fines up to $500
• Loss of up to 3 demerit points

Physical consequences

When you use a mobile whilst driving, mental, perceptual, and physical tasks become significantly more difficult. 

This, in turn, increases the chance of a collision fourfold.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries to result from a collision, which depending on the degree of impact, can lead to years of tenderness and physical therapy.

Many car crash victims also sustain cuts and scrapes, head injuries, chest and back injuries, almost any type of injury depending on the type of crash and existing medical issues.

Since June 2020, there have been over 1,105 road deaths in Australia as a result of a collision. 

This number is staggering, however, there are ways we can all contribute to lessening the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.

Stay safe and leave it alone

Abstaining from the use of mobile phones whilst driving is the most effective way to lessen the risk of legal and physical consequences.

If you are responsible for a fleet of drivers, a vehicle tracking device like Optix is one of the most effective indications of driver safety compliance.

The Optix behaviour monitoring system also offers the necessary feedback and video footage to coach employees to become safer drivers.

Invest in your fleet and learn more about how the Optix vehicle tracking solutions can ensure your fleet’s safety. 

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