Canberra’s roads will be safer for all users now that a bill to deploy cellphone detection cameras by early next year was passed by the legislature on Tuesday.
“We want the Canberrans to understand that every time you take your eyes off the road to use your cell phone while driving, you are risking your own life and the lives of other road users,” said Chris Steel, Minister of Transport and City Services.
the Road transport amendment bill (safety and traffic management) 2021 authorizes the use of mobile device detection cameras and revises security and privacy measures for mobile crime detection cameras to share anonymized images.
Mr Steel said the new cameras will reduce driver distraction, a major cause of accidents.
“Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of an accident; cell phones are too often the source of this distraction, ”said Mr. Steel.
“A driver who looks at his phone for only two seconds while driving at 60 kilometers per hour is driving 33 meters blind. “
Last year, ACT Police issued more than 1,000 offenses for using a mobile device while driving. Mr. Steel thought the actual rate of infractions was probably much higher.
The ACT government has also launched a new communications campaign to educate the community about these risks.
The campaign will also ensure that people understand the rules for using mobile devices while driving.
The campaign includes TV, radio, digital and outdoor advertising, and will be delivered in phases before next year.
“We call on drivers to take a series of simple steps to develop better habits and stay focused while driving,” said Mr. Steel.
“These include completely removing your devices from view, setting yourself up before you hit the road, and turning on the ‘do not disturb’ feature to suppress notifications.
“Every accident that results in serious injury or death is a tragedy for our community. So, as the campaign says: if you’re driving, leave your phone alone. “
The ACT government has funded the deployment of mobile device detection cameras as part of its commitment to “Vision Zero”: No Fatalities or Serious Injury on Canberra’s Roads.
What are the rules?
Under the Road Transport Regulations 2017 (Rules of the Road), it is illegal for a driver to use a mobile device while the vehicle is in motion or stationary but not parked. (Exemptions apply for emergency or police vehicles.) Parking includes stopping and holding the vehicle (whether the engine is running or not).
A mobile device in ACT includes a mobile phone and any other wireless portable or portable device designed or capable or used for telecommunications (for example, a tablet or smartwatch), but does not include a citizen band radio. (CB) or any other two-way radio.
Drivers can use their mobile device for GPS purposes; stream, play or listen to music or audio files; or to make or receive audio calls if the device is mounted in a holder attached to the vehicle, or if the driver does not support or operate the device (for example via Bluetooth).
Drivers who use their handheld mobile device to make or receive a call may be fined up to 20 penalty units or a violation notice fine of $ 480 and 3 demerit points.
The current penalty in the ACT for a driver who uses a mobile device for messaging, social media, mobile apps, or internet access is a fine of up to 20 penalty units or a fine for violation notice of $ 589 and 4 demerit points.
The penalties for the use of mobile devices will be the same whether the offense is captured by a camera or by the police.
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