Reckless drivers have been caught by roadside cameras doing the wrong thing behind the wheel
State-of-the-art safety cameras have revealed some dangerous and irresponsible behavior by some drivers on Western Australian roads, including painting their nails, eating and even holding babies while behind the wheel.
Fixed and mobile security cameras are used throughout Western Australia and have generated $13 million in revenue after an eight-month statewide trial.
While the drivers were caught using iPads and texting on their phones, one of the front passengers was caught holding a baby on his lap and the other was caught steering the car while the driver was using his phone.
The WA state government began issuing infringements in October, with 31,855 fines issued for mobile phone use, seatbelt offenses and speeding.
The cameras detected some “disturbing” behavior, including a truck driver behind the wheel, with his hands off the wheel, using a laptop, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt, as well as a truck driver speeding more than 100mph on a major highway.
Another driver was caught speeding more than 20 km/h using a cell phone in a school zone during the week.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said distraction and people not wearing their seat belts correctly were two key factors increasing the number of lives lost on our roads each year.
“Safety cameras give us more access, more flexibility and more opportunities to hold dangerous drivers accountable,” he said.
“Our government has given Western Australian drivers eight months’ notice to change their habits behind the wheel, but some drivers still fail to understand the danger of their behaviour.
“As we head into the festive season, this technology, combined with WA Police in road presence and enforcement, plays a key role in deterring this behaviour.”
Deputy Minister of Transport Jessica Stojkovski said the new security cameras were detecting previously unnoticed behavior.
“The message is that the technology is now available, unsafe behavior will get you fined and you will be subject to penalty points,” he said.
