DRIVERS using their mobiles or forgetting their seatbelts were the target of a NSW-wide operation yesterday (July 12), with more than 1000 tickets issued by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command officers.
Mobile phone use was the biggest offence, with 713 infringements issued while a further 317 were issued for people not wearing their seatbelts during the one-day Operation Compliance.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith of the State’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said seatbelts and mobile phone offences put all road-users at risk.
“So far this year, 195 people have died on NSW roads. It is risky and selfish behaviour that is costing these lives in many instances.
“To have more than 1000 booked in a single day for mobile phone and seatbelt offences shows a lack of responsibility by many drivers and other road users.
“Simply put, seatbelts save lives. Despite them being compulsory since 1971, people still seem to ignore the basic task of putting a belt on as they enter their vehicle.
“Using a mobile phone while driving means a driver’s eyes are off the road and their concentration is somewhere other than driving, which is putting all road users at risk.
“We run Operation Compliance throughout the year specifically focussed on key risks to drivers, their passengers, and others on our roads in the hope we can change driver behaviour.
“These operations will continue until everyone can comply with simple road rules,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
