You’re invited to speak up for road safety about distractions…

Today we’re speaking up about distractions, also referred to as inattention. What does that actually mean? Think about the use of a mobile phone in the car, turning to check on the kids in the back, applying make up at the lights, or reaching over to the passenger seat to check on an address, map or the take away meal you just purchased. These tasks or actions are distractions and distractions are one of the Fatal Five.

Since 6am on July 1 to 6pm on August 10, Bundaberg Patrol Group officers have issued traffic infringement notices to drivers for the following distraction type offences:

• 40 x Driver use hand-held mobile phone
• 2 x Person smoking in motor vehicle when a person under 16 is in vehicle
• 1 x Drive with TV or VDU operating and screen visible to driver
• 1 x Driver drives with a person or animal in his or her lap
• 1 x Driver use hand-held mobile phone (bicycle)

Take the opportunity this week to make a road safety pledge online here at Join the Drive to Save Lives or visit us today at Bargara McDonald’s between 11am and 1pm. We’ll have the QPS PACE Car on display and officer’s to answer questions that may come their way.

Some messages to help you take action against distractions

• In the car, switch your phone to silent so you’re not tempted
• Keep your phone out of sight and pop it in the glove box or boot
• Pull over safely before grabbing your phone, GPS or mobile device