Page 24 - drive a2b FEB 2020 web

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he new tougher penalties the most common uses; and highlights that there is a shift
for Queenslanders • Texting while driving is in technology use across driver
using their mobile considered more likely to cause ages - this is not just a 'young driver
T phone behind the wheel a fatality than drink driving. problem' as it has traditionally been
came into effect Saturday 1 February viewed in the past.”
2020. The Queensland Government The results also show:-
has increased the current fine for • Australians surveyed in 2020 “Other social pressures to use a
offenders from $400 to $1,000, while (11.49%) feel less confident phone are also going to be playing
demerit points increase from 3 texting while driving, compared a role for this 35-44 age group,
points to 4. to 2018 (14.9%) including work pressures to stay
connected while driving, pressure
• Respondents aged 35-44 feel
Budget Direct recently surveyed most confident behind the to connect with children, and just
1,001 Australians (including 218 wheel (22.61%) compared to generally trying to multitask in order
Queenslanders). The survey reveals those aged 18-24 (10.43%) to make the most efficient use of
Australians’ attitudes and behaviours time in an increasing time-poor
when it comes to using a mobile Senior Research Fellow for the society.”
phone while driving. Monash University Accident Research
Centre, Kristie Young says, “While
• Younger motorists less confident the absolute numbers are low, the
using a phone while driving finding that the 35-44 year age group
than they were two years ago;
is engaging with handheld devices Penalties
• Checking mobile phones while (particularly texting and accessing for illegally using a mobile
stopped at a traffic light and social media) more frequently than phone while driving
changing song on playlist are other age groups, is really interesting
Demerit
State Fine Points
Which of these actions is the most acceptable for ACT $480 3
a handheld device?
NSW $344 5

NT $500 3
Changing the song on your
playlist
QLD $1000 4
Checking your phone while
stopped at a traffic light SA $534 3
Replying to a text while
driving at 40 km/h TAS $336 3
None
VIC $496 4
WA $400 3
source: Budget Direct
24 DRIVE A2B magazine · February 2020