Parents Admit To Talking While On The Wheel

Telstra has today revealed that fifteen percent of Australian parents have admitted to using a handheld mobile phone while driving with their kids in the car.

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Telstra’s Executive Director, Consumer, Ms Jenny Young, said “Our message to motorists this Easter is simple and important – make safety your most important call and don’t use a handheld mobile phone instead of concentrating on the road.”

The survey of one thousand motorists also found that despite increased penalties only half of respondents are worried about being fined for driving while using a handheld mobile phone.

“You wouldn’t read the paper while driving, so why would you drive while talking or texting on your handheld mobile? Not only is it illegal, it’s also extremely dangerous,” added Ms Young.

Telstra also wants to remind people about the importance of storing an ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone number in their mobile phones.  

“These numbers can help emergency services get important information, fast, in case of an accident,” said Ms Young.

Safe driving tips for using a mobile phone:

• Never read or send text messages while driving
• To make a call, check MessageBank or read Voice to Text pull over and park safely.
• Plan breaks in your trip to stop and make phone calls.
• Tell your family and friends not to call when you know you’ll be driving.
• Update your ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in your mobile phone.