Cameras capable of capturing drivers illegally using their phones on the road could become a reality in Western Australia as the road safety commission reviews a new camera technology.
Road safety commissioner Kim Papalia said West Australian drivers had developed an addiction to responding to calls and massages and posting on social media while driving.
And he said the new camera system, which detected more than 400 infringements in 12 hours when tested, could potentially deter drivers from using their phones and putting their lives at risk.
“Things have changed since mobile phone laws were introduced in 2001,” Mr Papalia said.
“We now have smartphones and that increases the risk as people have developed an addiction to responding to calls and messages, as well as posting on social media.
“An infringement was sighted on average every 103 seconds, as some drivers continue to put lives at risk because they are unable to put down the phone.
“The road safety commission has an obligation to proactively find potential solutions to deter drivers from using phones on WA roads, and this technology is just one possible solution.”
Research conducted in 2015 by TNS Australia on behalf of the road safety commission showed 90 per cent of the respondents knew the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.
However, 57 per cent of those admitted to offending.
Drivers using their mobile phones on the road in WA currently face a $400 fine and three demerit points.
