'Texting bays' to be trialled in WA
Ten years ago it wasn't even a concern but texting behind the wheel is making driving more dangerous than ever before.
In an Australian first, Western Australia is trialling an idea, funded by the West Australian Road Safety Commission (RSC), where drivers will be able to pull over in a designated 'texting bay' instead of continuing to drive and use their mobile at the same time.
Road Safety Commissioner Kim Papalia told the ABC texting was one of the major contributors to road accidents in the state.
"It's a siding on the side of the road that gives people the opportunity to get out of the traffic flow, get off the road, to park lawfully and then enable them to respond to what is a compulsion that people often feel in regard to checking their text message," he said.
"There is a clear message that the text can wait until it is safe to check it ... we do recognise that texting is an issue in this state and we're taking active steps to see how we can mitigate that.
"This is recognition of behaviour and how you can positively influence better outcomes in terms of behaviour."
The trial involves five texting bays identified by electronic signs along the Forrest and South Western highways and will run until April 28 to cover the Easter and school holiday period.
Mr Papalia stressed it was a trial and the RSC would review the results to determine whether the bays would become a permanent fixture, after the road toll in WA reached a six-year high in 2016.
The penalty for using your mobile phone while driving is four demerit points and a $400 fine.
Texting bay locations in WA
Forrest Highway
Near Buffalo Road, southbound
Near Dorsett Road, both directions
Near Greenlands Road, southbound
South Western Highway
Placid Park Roadhouse, southbound
Near Brunswick Junction, northbound
