LIMESTONE Coast police have repeated their concerns about driver distraction as new data reveals it is becoming a prominent contributor to road crashes.
Statistics show between 2013 and 2017, inattention was the main contributor to more than 53pc of crashes on Limestone Coast roads.
The data supports state-wide figures, which show distraction has become the highest contributing factor in fatal crashes over the last 10 years, surpassing drink-driving.
Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said police were aware of the problem and would continue to crack down on distracted drivers.
“We are actively policing against distracted drivers, particularly those who continue to look at their mobile telephone,” Snr Sgt King said.
“The dangers are obvious and crashes caused by distraction range from your simple rear-end incident to hitting a tree at high-speed.”
Snr Sgt King said when it came to distraction and all of the fatal five, the onus and responsibility always falls with the driver.
“We will do our best to enforce the road rules, but we cannot be everywhere at all times, so the responsibility ultimately lies with the driver,” he said.
“People need to understand that driving a car is a complex skill, which requires a person’s full attention at all times.”
Limestone Coast Local Government Association road safety officer Ali Auld said drivers need to make a conscience effort to change their behaviour.
“Most distractions still relate to technology use and unfortunately their use, while driving, has created distressing effects on individuals, on others and on the community,” Ms Auld said.
“Just like drink driving or speeding, it is ultimately us to each of us to take responsibility and adjust our habits to reduce distraction while driving.”
While distraction has become one of the biggest factors leading to crashes, Snr Sgt King said drink-driving was still a concerning problem on Limestone Coast roads.
Three Mount Gambier men were caught driving in the city while over the legal blood alcohol limit over the weekend, while a further two drivers were caught in Beachport and Naracoorte.
“Local police are disappointed with the behaviour of some drivers over the weekend after five drink drivers were apprehended and three drug drivers detected,” Snr Sgt King said.
“In all instances the drivers received six-month immediate licence disqualifications, had their vehicles impounded for 28 days and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.”
