With six more highway patrol cars to be installed in Batemans Bay and with more bikes and cars being bought into the region over summer Police are sending a warning to anyone who thinks it’s okay to text and drive in the lead up to the holiday period, during Operation Safe Arrival.
Police have released footage of a number of drivers caught in the act of texting and driving in order to get the message across that drivers will be caught.
This time last year saw advice that officers had issued 37,770 infringements for people using a handheld device while driving.
Inspector Robert Toynton of the State’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said “Not a day goes by that we don’t see people blatantly using a mobile phone while driving.
“During Operation Safe Arrival, you will see more police including officers on motorcycles on the look-out for people using mobile phones while they are behind the wheel.
“Don’t be the next person to get the tap on the window from one of our officers.
“It is unfortunate that a lot of the people who are caught are young people who do not realise that they are risking their lives and the lives of others every time they take their eyes off the road to use their phone.
“No driving ability or driving experience will help you when you are driving blind to the road or to oncoming cars,” Inspector Toynton said.
During the operation police want road users to remind themselves about the #Five2Arrive; five simple tips for road users in order to arrive home safely:
1. Don’t speed. 2. Don’t drink and drive. 3. Wear a seatbelt. 4. Put your phone away, and 5. Take regular breaks.
