September road user safety focus: driver distraction

September - Driver Distraction

As part of the 2018-2019 Road Safety Calendar, ACT Policing will target driver distraction throughout September.

Driver distraction is any action that takes a driver's attention away from the road and onto other elements in their environment. This includes using a mobile phone, driving with headphones, tuning your radio, managing children or pets on board, or applying make-up.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations, Acting Station Sergeant David Wills said the consequences of these type of distractions can be devastating.

“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second to check something like a text message can cause irreparable harm,” Acting Station Sergeant Wills said.

“Anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road in front of them is a serious hazard, and we have seen families who have lost loved ones because of a distracted driver.

“There is simply no excuse for using a mobile phone while driving – no text message or Instagram post is worth causing a serious collision and potentially killing yourself or someone else.

“When you are in control of a vehicle, your primary focus should be on the road in front of you.

"You should also be aware of other road users around you, particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.”

This campaign forms part of the joint ACT Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 which prioritises a Vision Zero approach to road safety.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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