AA General Manager Motoring Affairs, Mike Noon says "using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, and our message to motorists is quite simple - don't do it.

Drivers need to understand the risks and consequences of using a mobile phone while driving, not because it could result in a fine and demerit points, but because it puts their lives and the lives of passengers and other road users at risk."

Research has shown that driving while using either a hand-held or hands-free mobiles can be as dangerous as driving at the legal blood/alcohol limit, and it increases the risk of being involved in a crash by 400 per cent. A survey of AA Members found that 76 per cent supported a ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving.

Mr Noon says although the AA supports a $50 fine for those caught driving while using a hand-held phone, the proposed 25 demerit points is probably too high.

"We are very pleased that the government will run an awareness and education campaign before any ban is introduced. We do not want to have motorists just getting fined and collecting demerits, we want them to understand how unsafe it is to use their mobile phones while driving - that should be the real motivation to stop using them."

"The government proposal does not ban the use of hands-free phones while driving. The AA supports this for practical reasons, however drivers should understand that hands-free mobile use is also dangerous. We recommend that calls should be kept short and left unanswered if you are driving in difficult conditions or heavy traffic."

"The AA would also like to see the introduction of other solutions to help drivers turn off their phones, such as a one-touch automated phone messaging system that alerts those texting or calling that the person they are trying to reach is currently unavailable because they're driving. Driving is a very good reason to not be available to answer a call on a mobile," says Mr Noon.

"It has become socially unacceptable not to respond immediately to text messages, and this is especially true for younger drivers. However, safe driving requires a driver's attention to be on the road ahead, not reading or sending a text message," says Mr Noon.

"The AA understands the government has been in discussions with Vodafone and Telecom about the possibility of introducing a call diversion scheme and urges the companies to proceed with this initiative. They are the ones providing and selling the phones and it is only correct for them to be leading on safe use."

For further information relating to the AA's policy on driving and mobile phones, visit www.aa.co.nz.

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager AA Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 4 931 9984
M. +64 21 659 704
W. www.aa.co.nz

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.