16 motorists were caught breaking road rules during a two-hour police operation in Hobart’s CBD this morning, with mobile phone use the most common offence.
Police conducted static and mobile patrols between 8am and 10am on Wednesday, detecting a range of inattention-related offences.
Eight drivers were caught using their phones behind the wheel.
Police also issued infringements for four traffic light offences, three other inattentive driving offences and one seatbelt violation.
Acting Sergeant Shane Etherington said the results were disappointing.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that some drivers continue to use their mobile phones while in control of their vehicles, particularly in heavy traffic areas,” he said.
“Using your mobile phone while driving increases the risk to the driver, their passengers and other road users.”
He said phone use “severely impacts” a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely and reduces reaction time.
“Drivers need to turn their attention away from their phones and onto the road,” Etherington said.
The operation comes ahead of the long weekend, with police ramping up patrols targeting the “Fatal Five” – speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, fatigue and failure to wear seatbelts.
“Tasmania Police will continue to patrol the roads and target the ‘Fatal Five’ in an effort to reduce serious and fatal crashes, especially leading up to this long weekend,” Etherington said.
