By Charlene Gatt
NEARLY 300 Footscray motor-ists have been nabbed in the past year using hand-held mobile phones while driving.
Victoria Police figures show 294 drivers in the area were given on-the-spot fines, a number Footscray Sergeant Mark White describes as disappointing.
“It’s prevalent, and that’s the ones that are cited and booked so it’s a pretty high amount,” he said.
“Obviously vehicle users need to be more aware of (the dangers of) using a hand-held device due to the potential of serious accidents.”
Offenders are given a $145 fine and lose three demerit points.
Melbourne’s CBD has been touted as the worst place for hand-held mobile phone users, with 2805 people caught.
Statistics show that men are the biggest culprits, with 28,656 males across the state fined for using a hand-held phone when driving.
In comparison, only 12,442 women were caught.
“It’s disappointing so many people are risking the lives of others,” Police Minister Bob Cameron said.
“Research shows drivers using hand-held mobile phones have impaired reaction times and decision-making processes. They also have trouble maintaining speed and keeping safe distances.”
A 2002 report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents found drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a collision when using a mobile phone.
The figures come nine months after the state government banned all learner drivers from using any mobile phone use while driving, including hand-free devices.
Footscray Police will be cracking down on mobile phone use in cars from now to June as part of the TAC’s Enhanced Enforcement Program.
