Queenslanders using their phones whilst driving will now be fined $1000 from $400, while demerit points will increase from three points to four.
These new tougher penalties are effective from February 1, and out of 1001 Australians surveyed this year most believe that ‘tougher penalties’ (31.97%) is the most effective way to stop drivers from texting.
Budget Direct surveyed the 1001 Australians, including 218 Queenslanders. However, Queenslanders scored the lowest in this category, who think ‘tougher penalties’ is the least effective measure, compared to increased awareness, mobile detection cameras, law enforcement and no measures.
“While the absolute numbers are low, the finding that the 35-44 year age group is engaging with handheld devices (particularly texting and accessing social media) more frequently than other age groups, is really interesting and highlights that there is a shift in technology use across driver ages – this is not just a ‘young driver problem’ as it has traditionally been viewed in the past,” Monash University Accident Research Centre senior research fellow Kristie Young says.
The surveyed found respondents ages 35-44 feel most confident behind the wheel (22.61%) compared to those aged 18-24 (10.43%).
“Other social pressures to use a phone are also going to be playing a role for this 35-44 age group, including work pressures to stay connected while driving, pressure to connect with children, and just generally trying to multitask in order to make the most efficient use of time in an increasing time-poor society.”
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