Mobile Phones and Driving - Safety Tips
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the peak industry body representing the mobile telecommunications industry in Australia, has produced the following driving tips as a public safety awareness measure.
1. Never Use a Hand-Held Mobile: In Australia it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you use a hands free in-car kit or portable hands free device. When using a portable hands free device make sure it is set up and working before you start to drive. A hands free device can reduce the physical effort to make and receive calls, however, it alone doesn’t make using a mobile phone while driving safe.
2. Never Read or Send SMS, Take Notes, Look Up Phone Numbers: Always keep both eyes on the road and do not read or send SMS text messages or take notes during a call while driving. If required, use a directory assistance service which connects you directly to the number and don’t look up phone numbers from your phone’s memory.
3. Don’t Call in Heavy Traffic, Poor Road Conditions or Bad Weather: Don’t accept or make calls if traffic, weather or road conditions would make it unsafe to do so. Also, even if the traffic conditions are light, always tell the person you are speaking to that you’re driving and that you may have to end the call if driving conditions change. 4. Don’t Engage in Complex or Emotional Conversations: If a call becomes complex or emotional tell the person you are speaking to, you are driving and suspend the call. Complex and emotive conversations on a mobile phone, or with other passengers, and driving don’t mix – they are distracting and can be dangerous.
5. Use Message Services to Answer Calls: If a call is unnecessary or you consider it unsafe to answer at the time, don’t answer the call and let it divert to voicemail or an answering service.
6. Pull Over Safely if You Stop to Make a Call: If you choose to stop to answer or make a call or retrieve a message, pull over carefully in a safe area. Don’t stop where you could be a hazard to other vehicles, pedestrians or yourself.
7. Use Your Phone’s Features to Reduce the Effort to Make a Call: Carefully read your phone’s instruction manual and learn to use the speed dial and redial features of your phone. Also, if possible, use a phone with voice activated dialing and automatic answering features to reduce the effort to make and receive a call. 8. Plan Your Trip and Make Calls When Stationary: Whenever possible plan your trip and try to make calls when stationary or during rest breaks in long trips.
9. Tell callers you’re driving while on the phone: Always let the person you’re speaking to know that you are driving. This lets them know that you may not always respond immediately and reminds you that driving safely is your first priority. “Hello, I’m in the car at the moment…”
10. In Emergencies Use Your Phone to Call for Help: Dial '000' or '112' in case of fire, traffic accident, road hazard or medical emergency. Both '000' and '112' are free calls, and will connect you to emergency services. Almost one third of all genuine calls to ‘000’ are made from mobile phones.
