Poll: Do you support the fine increase for using a mobile while driving from $80 to $150?
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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90.2% Yes
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8% No
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1.8% Unsure- it's too complex
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.2% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
When you have been looking forward to retirement...
You know when you have been looking forward to retirement for years? Dreaming of all that free time, you will have?
Then you retire, take up bowling (among other things), only to find every time you play bowls, your back hurts, your tired- you'd hoped it would be better than this!
What I do as an Acupuncturist, is help scale that pain right back, yip dial it right down. And it will help you feel 10 years younger too! So you can play bowls pain free!
In fact recently in my clinic Ive been treating David, from Massey, hes 76 years old, but young at heart 😉. He's worked physically his entire life, on the railways, as a builder for decades, then a truck driver! He doesn't want his body letting him down now!
Since his first 2 ACC treatments he's back playing bowls with 70% less pain AND more movement - hes not 100% pain free yet!
But hes booked for his third session next week! He's committed. He's feeling great and he's going to make Acupuncture a regular thing! Even after his 12 ACC sessions expire!
If you know any David's, it's my great pleasure to help!
Get them to book in with me.
Did you know? - Pensioners in my Clinic get a $10 discount for both ACC and Private Acupuncture?
Live The Life You Want! Acupuncture!
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