A large amount of drivers were caught in a trial using phone cameras.

In a recent trial on South Australian roads, phone detection cameras have been making headlines for catching thousands of people in the act of breaking the law. It's only been a short two months since the cameras were installed, and already 7 million motorists have driven through them. Shockingly, over 71,000 drivers were caught using their mobile devices while behind the wheel.

Some of the images captured by the cameras are quite disturbing. One driver was seen nonchalantly steering with their pinky finger, while another had their furry friend on their lap and their phone in their hand. It's no wonder these types of distractions lead to serious accidents and even fatalities. In fact, outside of the trial, these offenses would have resulted in a hefty sum of over $45 million in fines.

Despite the staggering number of offenders caught, police have revealed that the cameras were not even operational for the entire testing period. Even so, Police Superintendent Darren Fielke stated that distractions account for 20-30% of serious injuries and deaths on the state's roads. He emphasized that the purpose of these cameras is to make people think twice about their actions while driving.

Currently, the cameras are in place at five high-risk locations, including Port Wakefield Road, the North-South Motorway, Port Road, South Road, and the Southern Expressway. Fielke mentioned that once the three-month grace period is over, they will have a more accurate understanding of the number of offenders caught. However, the current numbers alone are enough to send a strong message to drivers to refrain from using their phones while on the road.

To further raise awareness, signs will be installed in the upcoming months to warn drivers that they are approaching the cameras. Starting from September 19th, those caught using their phones while driving will face a fine of $640 and three demerit points. Until then, drivers caught during the grace period will receive a warning letter from the police. This serves as a reminder to everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize safety while behind the wheel.

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