Distraction

Any distraction while driving causes a lapse in concentration which increases the chance of being involved in a serious crash. To avoid hazards on the road, drivers must give driving their full attention at all times.

Types and causes of distraction

There are four main types of driver distraction:

  • Visual – the things you see
  • Auditory – the things you hear
  • Physical – the things you do with your hands
  • Cognitive – the things you think about

Behaviour that can cause distraction includes:

  • Using a mobile phone
  • Eating, drinking or smoking
  • Conversing with passengers
  • Using audio equipment
  • Responding to distractions caused by children or other passengers.

What happens when you’re distracted

Research shows that distractions can cause drivers to:

  • straddle lanes on a multi lane road or veer across the road
  • drive inconsistently, speeding up or slowing down without apparent reason
  • have difficulty maintaining appropriate following distances from vehicles in front (e.g. tailgating)
  • have less awareness of safe gaps in traffic
  • have slower reaction times and therefore heightened crash risk
  • impairment of the driver’s judgement.

Research has also found that for younger drivers, having passengers in the vehicle is a distraction and can increase the risk of a crash.

In-vehicle information, communication, sound and entertainment systems are on the rise, increasing the risk of driver distraction.

Avoid the temptation to do other tasks while driving. You are driving the vehicle and taking your eyes off of the road or diverting your attention even for just a few seconds can be fatal.

What the Law says

A person must not drive a vehicle without due care or attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons on the road.

The driver of a vehicle (except an emergency vehicle or police vehicle) must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction. This does not apply to a driver using a mobile phone that is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle or is remotely operated by means of a device affixed to the vehicle or worn by the driver in the manner intended by the manufacturer and the phone is not being held by the driver.

Penalties

A person must not drive a vehicle without due care or attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road. The maximum court imposed penalty for driving without due care is $2,500.

In case of an aggravated offence, that is if:

  • the offence causes death or serious harm to a person or is committed while the driver is attempting to escape pursuit
  • driving while disqualified
  • a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
  • is driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drugs or
  • is driving 45km/h or more over the posted speed limit

The driver will be disqualified for a minimum period of 6 months. A period of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months may also apply.

If detected driving while using a hand held mobile phone you will be liable for fine and three demerit points against your licence.