"Get your hands off it", is the message to all drivers in NSW during the Christmas period.
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Deputy Premier, Minister for Police and Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant has announced tougher demerit penalties for mobile phone offences to get drivers eyes off their device and onto the road.
Starting during this year's holiday season, mobile phones will be added to double demerit points and from next year the offence will attract an additional demerit point.
"Holding your mobile phone to call or text while driving is extremely dangers and just plain reckless for you, your passengers and everyone else on the road," Mr Grant said.
"While driving at 60 kilometres per hour, if you glance at your phone for two seconds, you travel around 33 metres blind, that's a scary fact and exactly why we're getting tougher on mobile phone offences."
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, assistant commissioner John Hartley said there were many instances where mobile phone use while driving had led to serious injury and fatal crashes on ourroads.
"Illegal mobile phone use is a contributing factor in many crashes on our roads and we welcome any deterrent that would convince drivers to remain completely focused on the road and avoid using their mobile devices, no matter what the circumstance," he said.
