Driver distraction infringements.

[SteveD]

Mobile phone users and others will need to keep their eyes on the hi-viz bike riders.

infringements have been issued as part of the police crackdown, attracting fines of between $550 and $800 and the loss of eight demerit points during the holiday period.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-26/w ... as/5988832

[melville]

Thanks, Australia! Would that the fines were more substantial here, and enforced.

When I'm walking the dog, I often see people stopped at an intersection, looking down, and lingering at the stop line. I quite enjoy shouting, "QUIT DICKING WITH YOUR PHONE!" as I walk by.

[bbelk]

From this: http://www.distraction.gov/download/res ... Driver.pdf

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the relative risk of being in a traffic accident
while using a cell phone is similar to the hazard associated with driving with a blood
alcohol level at the legal limit.

Between my house and town is one of the wealthiest high schools in Texas. They all have cars and they all have had phones since they were the size of shoe boxes. If I happen to stop at a one of the many lights between there and the house I would put the percentage of kids texting at above 80%

[She'llbe]

From this: http://www.distraction.gov/download/res ... Driver.pdf

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the relative risk of being in a traffic accident
while using a cell phone is similar to the hazard associated with driving with a blood
alcohol level at the legal limit.

Between my house and town is one of the wealthiest high schools in Texas. They all have cars and they all have had phones since they were the size of shoe boxes. If I happen to stop at a one of the many lights between there and the house I would put the percentage of kids texting at above 80%

Rich kids with no smarts. Their parents might pay the fines, but who will replace the kids when they get hurt or worse? Even with huge fines and loss of points, Oz doesn't have enough people paying tax to pay for more police. I love it here.

[Chuey]

If only most or all of the actual danger to driving phone users was to their own distracted selves! Unfortunately, more often than not, they hurt or kill others. Sometimes I feel let down by Darwin.

Chuey

PS That's a great video. I like the policeman's demeanor.