1102 days ago

Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?

Reporter Community News

Drivers have been captured on camera boldly using their phones while driving, to video call, text and make calls.

The footage, taken in Auckland, comes as the Government increased the cost of a fine for using a cellphone while driving from $80 to $150.

Over the course of a week, ahead of the fine increase, a Stuff visual journalist captured numerous people using their phones while driving, including a woman who appeared to be on a video call while passing through an intersection, a man speaking on the phone and numerous people texting or looking at their phone.

Last year, police issued more than 40,000 infringement notices for the offence.

A driver for Dingo Groundworx NZ was captured using their phone while driving a truck along Williamson Ave, in Ponsonby.

Owner Cameron Hadley told Stuff all employees were very aware they should not be using their phones while driving.

He said he would be raising the issue in a staff meeting.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen told Stuff he wasn’t surprised to hear about the woman video calling while driving.

While AA supports the Government’s fine increase, Thomsen said it wasn’t going to solve the problem.

“People just can’t resist the temptation if they hear their phone go off ... it’s not something you do by accident.”

“A lot of people use their phone behind the wheel and don’t do other risky things.”

He hopes as there are further advancements in technology, phone companies can have default “do not disturb” modes that activate as soon as drivers start moving in their car.

“Until we change the mindset it will be hard with enforcement alone, people don’t appreciate the risks until it’s too late,” Thomsen said.

To see video footage, go here:

www.stuff.co.nz...

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

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Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
  • 90.2% Yes
    90.2% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
    1.8% Complete
2161 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Senior Constable Don Allan's monthly newsletter & "coffee session dates with Don"

Colleen from Onehunga

There's some good news about property crime in Onehunga, Epsom and Penrose last month, there was a reduction.
Most burglaries happen between 10am – 3pm, when people tend to be out. There are three important things that you can focus on to protect your home and property:
• LOCKS
• LIGHTS
• LINES OF SIGHT
Don follows with a checklist of these ..... then he moves to .....
The majority of car thefts and break-ins happen in broad daylight. .
Vehicles are 86% more likely to be broken into or stolen during the afternoon.
Vehicles are often targeted when valuables (such as handbags, laptops, or wallets) are visible inside. Most thefts are opportunistic so you can help protect your vehicle by:
Watch
May Issue Community Police Newsletter 2024
• LOCKING IT
• REMOVING VALUABLES
• PARKING IN A VISIBLE LOCATION

There's more good "stuff" in the pdf :-)
Stay safe & it might be time to pull y woolies out of storage.

Regards
Colleen

May Newsletter 2024.pdf Download View

1 day ago

Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?

Triton Hearing

Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.

What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and they’re available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?

Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!

*T&C’s apply – must be over 18.
Find out more

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What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
  • 89.8% a) The size of a pea
    89.8% Complete
  • 4.1% b) The size of a AAA battery
    4.1% Complete
  • 6.1% c) The size of a $2 coin
    6.1% Complete
244 votes
4 days ago

The Tova Show

Jen from Stuff

Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner

We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.

We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).

Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.

Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.

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