Mobile phones have been an issue for Fleet Mangers for over two decades yet most organisations aren’t monitoring phone usage while staff are driving, or enforcing the existing laws. The evidence is the lack of training on the use of new technologies (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and the decline in mobile phone cradles being hardwired into new fleet vehicles.
A RACV poll has revealed that many Victorians consider drivers using phones one of their biggest road safety concerns.
This follows the latest figures from the Victorian Government that reveal over 17 million dollars in fines were issued to drivers for breaching the distracted driving rules during the first six months of enforcement from detection cameras introduced in July last year.
From 1 July to 30 December 2023, 30,231 drivers were captured by the cameras, with drivers facing penalties of four demerit points and a fine of $577 for using a mobile device, including phones, when driving.
RACV Head of Policy James Williams said the distracted driving rules aimed to keep road users safe, reflecting the significant increase in technologies capable of distracting drivers.
“The RACV poll highlights that Victorians are still noticing people using their phones or devices while driving and they have highlighted it as their top safety concern on our roads,” Mr Williams said.
“Distracted driving is a major contributor to road crashes and we all need to do our part and make sure we put our devices away and concentrate on driving safely.
“This poll and the data from distracted driver cameras, highlights that we still need to focus on educating drivers about this rule – which, put simply, generally means don’t touch your unmounted or wearable device while you’re driving or sitting in traffic.”
What Fleet Managers need to know about mobile phone use
- Don’t touch your unmounted or wearable device while you’re driving or riding – this includes cars, motorbikes, bicycles, e-scooters and even rollerblades.
- Drivers may briefly touch a mounted device or inbuilt system for functions such as music and navigation, provided they are not entering text, scrolling, or viewing images, social media, websites, or videos.
- For wearable devices such as smart watches, you can’t touch the device while driving or riding. You can only use voice controls to initiate, accept or reject audio calls, play, or stream audio materials, or adjust volume levels.
- For mobile phones and tablets, the mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and the device must be secured in the mounting.
What can Fleet Managers do?
Using a mobile phone while driving poses significant risks and is a dangerous distraction. Here are five tips for driver education on the risks associated with mobile phone use while driving:
- Understand the Impact of Distraction
Ensure drivers understand that using a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs their ability to focus on the road. Distractions can lead to delayed reaction times, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of accidents. Emphasise the importance of keeping full attention on driving to prevent potential harm to themselves and others. - Promote Hands-Free Options
Purchase cars with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. While hands-free devices still pose some level of distraction, they are generally safer than holding a phone and allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Emphasise the importance of minimising physical interaction with the phone while driving. - Educate on Legal Consequences
Make drivers aware of the legal consequences of using a mobile phone while driving. Laws vary by state, but most have strict regulations against using phones without hands-free technology while driving. Highlighting the potential fines, license points, or even legal actions can serve as a deterrent. - Encourage Safe Habits and Planning
Emphasise the importance of planning ahead to reduce the need for phone use while driving. Encourage drivers to set GPS directions, adjust music, and make calls before starting the journey. Stress the idea that taking care of these tasks while the vehicle is stationary is not only safer but also helps maintain focus on the road. - Lead by Example
Promote a culture of responsible driving within your community or organisation by leading by example. Demonstrate and encourage responsible mobile phone use while driving, or even better, advocate for a complete avoidance of phone use unless absolutely necessary. Peer influence and positive role modeling can have a significant impact on shaping behavior.
Remember, the goal is to create awareness about the risks associated with mobile phone use while driving and to instill responsible driving habits to enhance road safety.
