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One in ten involved in an accident using a mobile phone: Survey

Telstra, with their Drive Safe, Phone Safe survey, found almost one in ten motorists have either been involved in an accident, or just narrowly avoided having one, while using a mobile phone.Mobile Phone Road Safety

Additionally, Telstra’s Drive Safe, Phone Safe survey found that the half of motorists believe it is is safe to drive while using a mobile phone, highlighting the gap in the perception of risk involved with mobile phone use while driving and the law.

Renae Smith, executive director of Telstra Consumer, believed the study highlighted the risk to families travelling over the Easter long weekend period.

“Of concern, our research indicates that only half of motorists believe using mobile phones while driving can cause serious accidents, showing why many people continue such risky behaviour behind the wheel,” Renae Smith said.

“On top of this, with email-enabled smartphones and mobile devices with in-built GPS navigators on the rise, it’s more important than ever for motorists to familiarise themselves with the relevant state laws and ensure they are not breaking any laws.”

Ms Smith said motorists should remember that any distraction while driving can have an adverse affect on their ability to anticipate the road ahead.

“Looking at a phone while driving takes motorists’ eyes off the road and can cause accidents,” Renae Smith said.

“For the sake of your family and other motorists, if you need to make a phone call while driving, pull over to the side of the road safely or if you need to or answer a call then let it divert to MessageBank.”

Being caught using a mobile phone while driving in NSW carries a minimum $253 penalty and loss of 3 demerit points.

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David Olsen

David Olsen

An undercover economist and a not so undercover geek. Politics, business and psychology nerd and anti-bandwagon jumper. Can be found on Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/DDsD">David Olsen - DDsD</a>

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