Heftier penalties for texting at the wheel could be imposed if NSW police have anything to do with it.
NSW Police Traffic Services Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, believes the current $250 fine and three demerit points is too light and rules need to get tougher, according to Sky News.
This comes as new figures from Telstra show 45 per cent of Australians have admitted to texting while driving with 30 per cent of these drivers believing they are capable of doing both.
The telco has launched a new campaign ‘M8 IT CAN W8’ aiming to discourage drivers from texting at the wheel and is supported by V8 Supercars and will be handing out 50,000 thumb bands at V8 events around Australia this year.
“Collectively, we can encourage Aussies to change their behaviour, and reduce the number of accidents caused by texting when driving,” Telstra Group Managing Director Kate McKenzie.
“The simple message to all those who are texting and driving is M8 IT CAN W8.”
