Northland Police are reminding motorists there’s no excuse for being on the blower while you’re driving.
As part of Operation Surge, a day long Police operation on Tuesday targeting drivers using their phones, Police were privy to a number of reasons why motorists felt the need to be on their phones while driving.
However Northland Road Policing Manager, Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett, says most drivers seen by officers during the operation were not using a phone, were sticking to the speed limits and were wearing seatbelts.
“We know the majority of drivers do put their phone away or switch it to silent, but it’s concerning that there are still people out there willing to risk driving while being distracted.
“And, there were still people who offered up excuses as to why they were driving and using their phone at the same time.”
Inspector Fitchett says the excuses included:
‘I was just looking up the McDonald’s menu’, ‘I was just turning it off – so I wasn’t actually on it’, and ‘I was only driving slowly’.
As a result of Operation Surge, run in Whangārei and the mid north, 28 drivers were spotted on their phones and received a $150 fine for breaking the law, along with 20 demerit points.
“There is no excuse,” Inspector Fitchett says.
“Using a mobile phone while driving is completely unacceptable, reckless and puts lives at risk.
During the operation officers also noticed a number of other driving transgressions and issued 28 tickets to people not wearing seatbelts, and eight tickets to speeding drivers.
They also breath tested 150 drivers, with one found to be impaired.
“While Police are out and about at all times, there will be more operations in the coming weeks where additional enforcement is carried out.
“We would love not to catch anyone in the next operation but we remind those intent on breaking the law that keeping our roads safe is a year-round commitment for Northland Police.”
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police