Yahoo Finance Millions of drivers risking $481 fine for common acts
Drivers can cop a hefty fine for driving while distracted.
Millions of Aussie drivers are guilty of dangerous behaviour behind the wheel and it could cost them hundreds of dollars.
More than half (56 per cent) of Aussie motorists are guilty of some form of driver distraction, ranging from questionable to downright illegal, according to new research by Finder.
One in 10 Aussies (13 per cent) had texted while driving in the past 12 months, while almost 9 per cent admitted they had used social media behind the wheel.
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Around 7 per cent of the 1,090 people surveyed said they had watched a TV show or movie while driving their car, while the same amount had changed clothes while on the road, or replied to an email.
Other potentially distracting acts included eating food while driving (42 per cent), driving in thongs (23 per cent) and reaching back to deal with children (9 per cent).
Finder insurance expert Gary Hunter said not paying attention on the road could have catastrophic consequences.
“What might seem harmless - like putting on a jumper or digging into a take-away meal - could result in a higher risk of crashing, which could lead to injury or worse,” Hunter said.
“Drivers can cop fines and even prosecution if they have a crash and it is determined they were distracted.”
Young Aussies were the most likely to be distracted behind the wheel, with a staggering 78 per cent of Gen Z admitting they multi-tasked while driving.
Drivers risking $481 fine
While it’s not illegal to do things like drive wearing thongs or eat behind the wheel, drivers can still be penalised if it stops them from having full control of their vehicle.
Under Road Rule 297 (1) drivers are required to maintain “proper control” of their vehicle while driving. So, if eating while driving causes you to not have proper control of your vehicle and drive distracted, you may be committing an offence.
In NSW, for example, drivers can receive a $481 fine and three demerit points. This can increase to $603 and four demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone.
Similar rules apply across the country. In Queensland, for example, drivers face fines of up to $575 and three demerit points.
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