Tim Beveridge: Distracted drivers are the biggest threat to our road safety

This morning there was the, some might say disturbing, or at the very least, unsurprising revelation that the Ministry of Transport Waka Kotahi has concluded a six-month safety trial. 

They've been using hidden cameras at three secret spots around Auckland and it's caught around 1000 drivers a day illegally using their cell phones while driving. 

1000 people a day illegally using their phones. 

I don't mind saying, I think that the biggest threat to me and my family when it comes to the roads is that distracted and bad drivers.

Forget the speed. It's people who use their cell phone and think it's okay to make a quick call.  I think that distracted driving is one of the greatest threats to people's safety on the roads. 

The question is, what do we do about this when it comes to enforcement action?

At the moment, a fine for using your phone while driving is 150 bucks and 20 demerit points.

For me at the moment, the cameras for this sort of behaviour are the answer.

For the time being at least, it's a reminder to put that bloody phone down and maybe take the time to ask whether your phone call or text really is worth risking someone else’s life and ruining yours. 

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