Think about your driving habits. Have you ever engaged in these kinds of distracting activities?

• Using a mobile phone; hands free/hands held and texting (texting is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction)
• Changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player
• Using a PDA or navigation system
• Reading, including maps
• Eating and drinking
• Grooming
• Talking to passengers
• Listening to loud music

Research on distracted driving reveals some surprising facts:

• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. (Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

• Using a mobile phone use while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of .08%. (Source: University of Utah)

• Dealing with passengers is one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction. Young children are 4 times more distracting than adults as passengers, and infants 8 times more distracting.

• You’re 4 times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving

• Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are a major driver distracter. Driving while using a mobile phone can significantly impair a driver’s:

• reaction time;

• visual search patterns;

• ability to maintain speed and position on the road;

• ability to judge safe gaps in the traffic; and

• general awareness of other traffic.

Mobile phone use also often involves associated tasks that may further distract the driver. These activities can include writing down phone numbers on a piece of paper whilst driving or writing down dates or notes in diaries. Sending a text message while driving is even more risky.

Run-off-the-road crashes and ‘rear end’ crashes are the most common types of crashes associated with mobile phone usage.

The current penalty for driving while using a handheld mobile phone is a $258 fine and 3 demerit points. Under NSW Graduated Licensing System (GLS), learner and P1 probationary drivers are banned from of mobile phone use, including hands free.

As the driver, it is your responsibility to avoid distraction.

Council's Road Safety Officer rso@auburn.nsw.gov.au