Driver 'caught watching Netflix' as police 'disgusted' by number of people on phones
Police say they are disgusted by the number of drivers still flouting mobile phone laws - some in the most appalling and dangerous ways.
During an operation on Tuesday, dozens were caught in Perth on their devices including one woman allegedly watching a movie as she drove to work.
The woman, allegedly watching Netflix during peak hour, did not even notice the officers until they were parked right next to her.
Footage shows the woman saying "sorry" as the officer tells her he's been cruising next to her for 15 seconds.
During the blitz, 44 drivers were nabbed for being on their phone, which was equivalent to one person every three minutes.
"The minute you pick up a mobile phone and become distracted, it's a risk to anyone that's around you," Acting Inspector Levinia Hugo said.
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Police said there were no shortage of excuses from drivers, with many claiming they did not know using a phone behind the wheel was an offence.
A new high tech camera was recently installed in Sydney, catching a driver using their phone every 30 seconds. The camera has since been trialled in Perth, catching 31 people an hour.
The Australian Medical Association has also called for a crackdown on learner and P-plate drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
The association wants the offence to draw a mandatory licence suspension for one year.
"When you are in charge of a piece of equipment that weighs one or two tonnes and might be travelling at over 100 kilometres per hour, it's just not safe," AMA president Dr Michael Gannon said.
The AMA also wants driver education re-introduced into high schools, which would cost millions to taxpayers.
