A recent Sydney Morning Herald article brought it my attention that the laws surrounding the use of mobile devices may be in need of some updating. Many of the apps I have spoken about on this blog use auto-receivers and responders to attempt to negate texting while driving. However it has come to my attention that it is illegal to:
‘Automatically receive the full text of an SMS on screen, even if the phone is out of reach or sight’
Meanwhile, it is completely legal to :
‘Use a hand-held phone while riding a skateboard, unicycle or roller blades’
AND also legal to:
‘Pick up a CB radio or two-way device while driving and talk on it’.
It all seems a little contradictory. Although with all this, ultimately a lot of what you get caught doing behind the wheel is up to the discretion of the police officer.
What I think needs to be done though is a greater awareness of how dangerous being distracted while driving can be. People are often trying to do everything BUT keep their eyes on the road: playing with the stereo, eating breakfast, smoking cigarettes. This all contributes the the attitude of “What’s the harm if I take a peek at my phone?”
In the end the laws and the general societal view SHOULD reflect the fact that it is dangerous to take your attention off the road, even if for a split second.
Text n Drive Tips 