Mobile Phone Use

Evidence indicates that using a mobile phone while driving is a distraction and has an adverse effect on driver performance.

When using a mobile phone while driving, the risk of being involved in a crash is four times greater than normal. Research shows that hands-free mobile phone use while driving is just as dangerous as hand-held mobile phone use.

Source: Road Safety Commission. 

What you can do?

Individuals

  • Turn off your mobile phone before driving (even if it is a hands-free mobile phone).
  • Check a map or your GPS before setting off so you know directions to your destination.

Local Governments

  • Develop a safe driving policy or incorporate mobile phone use into an existing policy for Councillor's and employees, which includes a ‘keys in, phone off’ component.
  • Work with your local RoadWise committee, Regional Road Safety Advisor and/or media outlets to encourage local residents to turn off their phones before driving.

Organisations

  • Develop an organisational safe driving policy or incorporate mobile phone use into existing policies, which includes a ‘keys in, phone off’ element.
  • Educate your employees on the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.

Find Out More

For more information on developing a policy, download a copy of the Fleet Safety Resource Kit from the Resources section of this website and speak to your Regional Road Safety Advisor. Your Advisor can also assist with developing local road safety initiatives which target distraction and mobile phone use whilst driving.  

A Mobile Phone Use and Road Safety Fact Sheet is also available for download from the Resources section or visit the Road Safety Commission's website to find out more about the risks associated with mobile phone use whilst driving. 

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