Mobile crackdown

Peel district police are urging Rockingham and Kwinana drivers to keep their hands off their phones and their eyes on the road this festive season.

Peel Traffic South operations manager Sergeant Mike Nardini said police would be out in force with Operation Crossroads set to start on December 23.

“Over the New Year period motorists will see more police on the roads involved in Operation Crossroads,” he said.

“Its objective is to reduce the number of road crashes and minimise associated road trauma throughout the Christmas holiday period.

“This is a Statewide traffic operation which will target road users who drink and drive, speed and don’t wear seat belts.”

Sgt Nardini said motorists were advised to “think” before making the mistake of using their mobile phones while driving.

“Don’t drive and use your phone — that includes talking, texting or holding it to look at the screen,” he said.

“It’s a distraction that could cause a crash and cost your life.”

Sgt Nardini said up to 30 per cent of car crashes were caused by inattention and careless driving.

He said officers would not tolerate common excuses such as “my hands-free wasn’t working”, “I was just checking my messages” or “I was not talking”.

Drivers caught using their mobile phone will be issued with a $250 fine and lose three demerit points or be summonsed to a court appearance, depending upon the circumstances.

Sgt Nardini said the operation would coincide with double demerit points which would start on Friday December 20 and run until Sunday January 5.

“This time of year the roads get busy with holiday makers and police urge all road users to be patient with the extra traffic they may encounter,” he said.

Operation Crossroads will run until January 5.