The NSW Government has announced new road safety measures, including an increase in demerit points from four to five for illegal mobile phone use while driving.
This follows a commitment at the launch of the Road Safety Plan 2021 in February to review penalties, develop new road safety advertising and introduce safeguards to improve driver safety in relation to alcohol and drugs, including prescription drugs.
“We know there is the community support to crackdown on illegal phone use behind the wheel. We all see it and the community has had enough,” Mr Evans said.
The NSW Government has already introduced legislation to enable camera-based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first.
Changes will also be made to reduce the risk of driving while impaired by prescription drugs, including clearer guidance on when doctors should report a patient to a Driver Licensing Authority if they have concerns.
Communications will also be enhanced so drivers are aware of the risks and are reminded that driving while impaired by medicines is a serious offence.
KEY POINTS:
• Demerit point rise from four to five for illegal phone use behind the wheel
• It will have the toughest demerit point penalty for this offence in the country when changes come into effect in September 2018.
• Road Safety Advertising – develop a new strategy to drive campaigns, based on positive messaging
• Strengthen guidelines for the Opioid Treatment Program, new training for prescribers, new communication about rights and responsibilities for doctors and patients
• Change to the definition of ‘drug’ in the Road Safety Act to ensure offenders driving while impaired by a broad range of new and emerging drugs can be charged under the influence.