South Australian roads have become a hotspot for mobile phone offences, with newly installed detection cameras catching over 28,000 drivers in just three months.
While this is a sharp decline from the 68,000 detections during the trial period, one driver’s astonishing 41 fines – totaling $27,000 – has sparked a nationwide conversation about driver behavior and road safety.
Shocking Numbers from the Cameras
The new overhead cameras, deployed to curb mobile phone usage while driving, have already made a significant impact. According to Superintendent Shane Johnson of SA Police:
“This decline in detections is encouraging and indicates most drivers are getting the message. If that then changes driver behaviour, then that’s absolutely a good thing.”
Despite this progress, the cameras continue to catch repeat offenders. Over 200 drivers were fined multiple times, with one individual receiving 23 fines and another racking up 22. Each offence carries a $556 fine, a $102 victims of crime levy, and three demerit points.
High-Risk Locations Identified
Cameras on the North-South Motorway at Regency Park and South Road in Torrensville recorded the most offences, with 7,657 and 6,839 detections, respectively. These locations are now under heightened scrutiny as authorities ramp up enforcement efforts.
Lives Lost to Distraction
SA Police warn that distracted driving has devastating consequences. In 2024 alone, distraction contributed to over 30 fatalities and more than 75 serious injuries on South Australian roads.
Superintendent Johnson emphasized:
“If you’re travelling at 60km/h and take your eyes off the road for two seconds, you’re covering 33 meters completely blind.”
Expanding the Fight Against Distraction
The crackdown is set to intensify in 2025. SA Police plan to install two additional cameras and expand the scope to include smart watches, which have become a growing source of distraction.
“Smart watches can be a form of distraction, and legislation is being looked at for 2025,” said Superintendent Johnson.
National Implications
South Australia’s efforts mirror broader initiatives across the country. Western Australia will soon deploy its own mobile phone detection cameras, with operations beginning on January 26, 2025.
Other states are watching closely as these measures reshape driver behavior and road safety enforcement.
The Road Ahead
While the reduction in offences is promising, the battle is far from over. As authorities target smart watches and expand camera coverage, Australians are being urged to prioritize safety and break the habit of distracted driving.
Let this serve as a reminder: the cost of looking at your phone could be far greater than a fine—it could cost a life.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
