Phone distraction makes a crash about four times as likely. Slower reactions increase the distance travelled before you can stop. Put the phone away and avoid distractions while driving.
Six Critical Facts About Mobile Phone Use While Driving
Important Statistics
Crash risk: Phone distraction makes a crash about four times as likely.
Reaction Time: When you’re distracted by your phone, your reaction time and brake time is slower while you’re driving, resulting in longer stopping distances with the car in front.
Impairment Comparison: A driver’s response time while texting is similar to a driver with a BAC between 0.07-0.10.
Mobile Phone Use in Queensland: The Numbers
Research reveals concerning patterns of illegal mobile phone use among Queensland drivers:
- Widespread Non-Compliance: Over 75% of Queenslanders use their mobile phones illegally whilst driving.
- Texting at Traffic Lights: Texting is the most popular behaviour while driving, with 50% of drivers texting at traffic lights.
- Social Media and Email: 25% of drivers check their email, social media and internet while waiting at traffic lights.
- Fatal Consequences: Driver distraction caused 19 fatalities and 1,342 hospitalised casualties in Queensland.
Practical Steps to Avoid Distraction
Taking proactive measures before you start driving can eliminate the temptation to use your phone:
- Switch to Silent or Flight Mode: Before starting your journey, switch your phone to silent or flight mode to prevent notifications from distracting you.
- Store Your Phone Away: Put your phone in the glove box or another compartment away from you, so you’re not tempted to check it and respond to friends or family.
- Pull Over Safely: If you desperately need to use your phone, make sure to pull over and park safely with the engine off.
Legal Warning
Stopped in traffic: Holding a phone or having it on your body is illegal while driving, including at red lights. Hands-free use depends on your licence restrictions.
Licence restrictions: Open and P 2 drivers may use permitted hands-free functions. Learner and P 1 drivers under 25 face additional restrictions.
Understanding the Legal Consequences
Queensland has strict penalties for mobile phone use while driving. Drivers caught using their phones face significant fines and demerit points, regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or stationary at traffic lights.
Additional Resources
For more facts and figures about driver distraction and mobile phone use in Queensland, visit the Join the Drive Queensland website.
The statistics are clear: mobile phone use while driving is dangerous, illegal, and potentially fatal. By taking simple steps to eliminate distractions before you start your journey, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users from preventable crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does using a phone while driving increase the risk of a crash?
Phone distraction makes a crash about four times as likely. Slower reactions increase the distance travelled before you can stop. Put the phone away and avoid distractions while driving.
Is it illegal to use my phone while stopped at a red light?
Holding a phone or having it on your body is illegal while stopped at a red light or in traffic. Permitted hands-free use depends on your licence restrictions.
How does texting affect a driver’s reactions?
A driver’s response time while texting is similar to that of a driver with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.07 and 0.10.
How common is illegal phone use among Queensland drivers?
Over 75% of Queenslanders use their mobile phones illegally while driving. Texting is the most common behaviour, with 50% of drivers texting at traffic lights, and 25% check email, social media or the internet while waiting at lights.
What can I do to avoid being distracted by my phone?
Before you set off, switch your phone to silent or flight mode and put it in the glove box or another compartment out of reach. If you really need to use it, pull over and park safely with the engine off.
What happens if I am caught using my phone while driving?
Drivers caught using their phones face significant fines and demerit points, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary at traffic lights.