Police have reminded motorists about the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving after more than 41,000 fines were issued in NSW last year.
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Since the start of January 2014, there were 41,894 infringements issued across the state for using a mobile phone while driving.
Of this, 888 were learner or provisional licence holders and 969 were detected in school zones.
Traffic and highway patrol commander Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said drivers were putting everyone at risk, not just themselves.
“Those that are using mobile phones while driving are concentrating on the conversation, or the text, and taking their eyes off the road,” he said.
“It only takes a split second to run off the road or into another vehicle, causing a serious injury, or even a fatal crash.
“To have drivers detected in school zones, placing our children at risk, is totally unacceptable.”
Assistant Commissioner Hartley said pedestrians also needed to be wary of mobile phone rules.
“It is equally important for pedestrians who use mobile phones and other devices to focus on their surroundings, as opposed to putting themselves in harms way,” he said.
“Our motorcycle response teams have issued 6780 infringements to pedestrians who otherwise may have been injured in a crash, not adhering to the road rules.”
Learner and P1 drivers are not allowed to use their phones while driving.
Full licence holders can use their phone handsfree to make or receive calls, play music or for GPS.
