Driving blind
Distraction is one of the five fatal causes of road trauma, and mobile phones are a major factor leading to crashes on SA roads. Despite this, many South Australian motorists continue to break the rules.
Words: Jeremy Rochow
In the past five years, driver distraction – which includes motorists using their mobile phones and other forms of distraction – has contributed to the loss of 199 lives on South Australian roads and more than 1700 serious injuries, according to SA Police data. Despite these staggering figures, SA motorists continue to use their phones while they’re behind the wheel. In just the first month of mobile phone detection cameras being operational on SA roads, more than 30,000 distracted motorists were caught using their mobile while driving.
Motorists aren’t the only ones distracted on the road. Using your phone while riding, or even walking, can also be dangerous. So, what are the risks, and what strategies can you put in place to reduce the temptation to reach for your phone while on the road?
Behind the wheel
The risks
If you take your eyes off the road – to check social media or read a text – for just two seconds while driving at 60km/h, you’ll travel 33m completely blind to the road. A lot can happen in those two seconds. You might veer into another lane, the person driving the vehicle in front may slam on the brakes or a child might run in front of your car as they chase a ball.
Drivers are four times more likely to crash if they are texting, browsing or emailing on their mobile phones, according to the Centre for Automotive Safety Research. SA Police data revealed that in the first five months of 2024, distraction was the suspected cause in almost 2000 collisions on South Australian roads. As a result, there were more than 150 serious injuries and 10 lives lost because of driver distraction. “We did get some messages that people were getting to see their grandchildren for the first time,” Elaine says. “It’s huge because it’s the gift of sight and independence.”
The solution
The best way to stop your mobile phone from becoming a distraction while you’re driving is to put it away, out of sight.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says road users need to put their phone somewhere in the car where they won’t be tempted to look at it.
“Put your phone away, whether it’s in the glove box or on the back seat, to help you avoid the urge to check or respond to text messages, or social media posts,” Charles says.
“Don’t be tempted to look at your passenger’s phone either.”
“If you do need to check your phone and respond to a text or email, pull over and park in a designated parking area – not where there’s a bus or bike lane – and make sure the transmission is in neutral or park and the parking brake is applied.”
You may have noticed motorists using their mobile phones while waiting for a red light to turn green. This is illegal and annoying for following drivers when the distracted motorist doesn’t see the green signal.
If you need to speak on your phone while driving, make sure your mobile is connected to the car’s Bluetooth so you can answer and talk without touching or looking at your phone. Remember, driving and talking on your phone, even though you’re using Bluetooth, can still be a distraction so keep the call short.
The rules
You must not use a handheld mobile phone while your vehicle is moving or stationary at traffic lights. If you want to make or receive a call, including dialling a number, the phone must be mounted in a commercially designed and manufactured mount. It’s an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email while your vehicle is moving. If you’re using your phone as a GPS, you must set the destination before starting the trip and not touch it while driving.
On your bike
The risks
In 2015, a 13-year-old Dutch cyclist was killed in a bike crash while looking at his phone. This led to fines being introduced in the Netherlands for cyclists using their mobile phones while riding. It’s clear texting and riding is dangerous. A 2021 Chinese study at the Hefei University of Technology found that using a mobile phone while cycling had several negative impacts, including reduced speeds and reaction times.
Charles says texting while riding can cause cyclists to lose control of their bike.
“If you’re texting or on your phone while riding, you might not notice a car door opening or accidentally veer into traffic,” Charles says. “This could lead to a crash and serious injury.”
The solution
Put your phone away while you’re on your bike and avoid wearing headphones so you’re aware of your surroundings and any vehicles approaching from behind.
You can only use your phone for calls or as GPS or a navigation unit while riding if it’s in a commercially designed phone holder.
The rules
Similar to motorists, cyclists aren’t allowed to use their mobile phone while on their bikes. If you’re caught riding while on your phone, you risk a $68 fine plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy.
While on foot
The risks
You’re walking west along Rundle Street in the city towards the Pulteney Street crossing when you receive a text. You look down at your phone and begin to respond. Without noticing, you’ve started crossing the road despite the red person indicating not to cross. Ding, ding, ding! You stop in your tracks as a cyclist swerves, narrowly missing you. Scenarios like this play out across the city and beyond every day.
While it might seem harmless for a pedestrian to use their phone while walking, it’s a distraction that can have serious consequences.
A 2023 study from the University of New South Wales found that texting and walking caused a clear impairment to a pedestrian’s focus. Some walkers slowed down, while others sped up to dodge certain hazards.
“Despite being the most vulnerable and exposed road users out there, pedestrians share an equal responsibility to do the right thing,” Charles says.
“Accidentally step out on the road in front of a moving car, bus or even a bicycle and you could be looking at a trip to hospital or worse.”
The solution
Charles encourages pedestrians to stay off their phone and unplug headphones when walking near roads so they can be alert to their surroundings.
“Texting or talking on the phone can wait until you reach your destination,” he says. “If you’re not distracted while walking, you’ll be completely aware of what’s happening around you.”
The rules
It’s an offence to walk without due care or attention – which may include texting or talking on the phone – or without reasonable consideration for other people using the road. In fact, pedestrians can be fined $59, plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy for unreasonably obstructing the path of another pedestrian or driver.
New mobile phone detection cameras
To combat driver distraction, five mobile phone detection cameras have been installed across Adelaide at the following locations. • Southern Expressway, Darlington • South Road, Torrensville • North South Motorway, Regency Park • Port Road, Hindmarsh • Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross
The cameras operate 24 hours per day, in all weather conditions, and capture images of vehicles’ front cabin space.
Their aim is to detect illegal mobile phone use. Artificial intelligence automatically reviews the images, detecting drivers who are using their phones and excluding motorists who are obeying the law. Images likely to depict a driver illegally using a mobile phone are then assessed by a human reviewer, before a fine is sent out. Drivers caught using their phones by the cameras will receive warnings until September when fines will start being sent to offenders.
In the first month of operation, the five cameras snapped 30,754 instances where drivers were caught doing the wrong thing. Three drivers were staggeringly caught 19 times using their mobile phone while driving. Motorists caught using their phones while driving will receive a $556 fine, plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points. Two other metropolitan locations are being considered for camera installation next year.
Do you have a driver distraction question?
If you want to know more about driver distraction, speak to RAA’s road safety experts on 8202 4517 or email roadsafety@raa.com.au
IMAGES: Getty, RAA/Thomas Aldahn.
