In a world where road safety is paramount, Rightway Driving School stands as a beacon of knowledge and expertise, committed to keeping your family safe on the roads. In this blog post, we shed light on the importance of adhering to mobile phone rules while driving, emphasizing the role they play in preventing accidents and promoting responsible driving habits.
Recently Ben Ward (Managing Director) discussed the various rules around phone and bluetooth usage with Kat Feeney from ABC Brisbane Afternoons. Keep an ear out on ABC Brisbane & Gold Coast for Kat as we discuss other Queensland road rules.
The Dangers of Mobile Phone Usage While Driving:
Rightway Driving School understands that distracted driving is a significant contributor to accidents, earning its place in the Fatal 5 – a list of the top causes of road incidents. Distraction, especially from mobile phone usage, remains a leading factor in road crashes, accounting for one in four accidents according to CARRS-Q. All mobile phone interactions divert the driver's attention, posing physical, visual, and cognitive distractions.
Research Highlights: The research is clear – dialing, texting, or talking on a mobile phone while driving can lead to riskier decision-making, slower reaction times, speed variations, less controlled braking, and reduced awareness of surroundings. For an inexperienced driver, such as a Learner or P Plater under 25, these risks are magnified, potentially impacting reaction time, situational awareness, and overall vehicle control.
Stopping Distances and the Impact of Mobile Phone Distractions
Consider this: an average driver takes approximately 1.5 seconds to react in an emergency situation. Without distractions, a modern car traveling at 50 km/hr takes 35 meters to stop on dry roads. However, glancing at your phone for just one second can extend this stopping distance to a staggering 49 meters, not accounting for slower reaction time and decreased vehicle control.
Understanding the Rules
To combat the dangers associated with mobile phone usage while driving, it's crucial to be aware of the rules in place. For all road users, holding a mobile phone is illegal, even if it's not in use or turned off. The penalties for the first offense include a hefty $1,161 fine and 4 demerit points, with double demerits for repeated offenses within 12 months.
When is it Okay to Touch Your Phone?
While driving, it is only acceptable to touch your phone when safely stopped or parked, provided it's for specific purposes such as paying for goods, gaining access to road-related areas, presenting a digital driver's license, or retrieving cards or money from a phone wallet.
Special Rules for Provisional License Holders under 25 and Learner Drivers
P1 license holders under 25 face stricter rules, including a complete ban on mobile phone usage, even in hands-free mode. Supervisors and passengers are also prohibited from using phones on loudspeaker while the P1 license holder is driving.
State-Specific Regulations: It's important to note that mobile phone rules vary between states. In New South Wales (NSW), for instance, all drivers, including learners and P1 and P2 drivers, are prohibited from using a mobile phone while driving, even when stationary.
Rightway Driving School not only imparts essential driving skills but also emphasizes the critical role of responsible mobile phone usage in ensuring family safety on the roads. By following these rules and guidelines, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer driving environment for everyone. Choose Rightway Driving School – your partner in navigating the road to safety, one lesson at a time.
Supervisor Rules Learner / Under 25
If you are under 25, your supervisor and passengers can’t use a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving. If your supervisor or passengers are found using a mobile phone on loudspeaker while you are driving, they will be given a fine.
Sourced from QLD Transport information available Jan, 2024.