The Victorian Government is cracking down on distracted drivers with new rules in place from March 2023, after 49 deaths were recorded on Victorian roads as of 14 February 2023.
Research has shown the risk of drivers crashing increases when texting, browsing or emailing, with one-third of drivers admitting to using their phone illegally while driving. Distraction is also involved in at least 11 per cent of fatalities – equal to 20 people each year whose death is avoidable.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.
“Distraction is deadly – which is why we’re introducing these new road rules to protect the lives of Victorians,” she said.
“When you’re driving, please make the right choices – pay attention and don’t be distracted.”
The new rules will extend existing mobile phone rules to cover modern technology such as in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable/portable devices such as smartwatches and tablets and bring Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules.
Stronger conditions will apply to learner and probationary drivers, including not touching any portable device, taking phone calls or using voice control unless parked.
New mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera technology will also be implemented to help catch people using their mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts while driving. They use AI-enabled camera systems that can capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all conditions, including poor weather and low light levels, amd are estimated to prevent 95 crashes that result in injury or death per year. A three-month warning period will apply from the technology’s activation before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said too many drivers continue to put lives at risk using mobile phones behind the wheel.
“We’re deterring this type of risky behaviour on our roads with these new road rules, as well as phone and seatbelt detection technology,” he said.
“We need every motorist to make the right decisions when they’re behind the wheel. When they don’t, road safety cameras and Victoria Police are there to hold them accountable.”
Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine. Community awareness campaigns will run over the coming months to educate drivers on the devastating risks of distraction.
A two-second glance at a device means you are travelling blind for 28 metres while driving in a 50km/h zone – and the distance jumps to 55 metres when travelling at 100km/h.
For more information on the new road rules visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/drivingdistractions and on the mobile phone and seat belt detection cameras visit camerassavelives.vic.gov.au
