Why police don't want you to use this mobile phone app
A stern warning has been issued to drivers about a popular navigation app used by millions across the world.
The app Waze not only gives users directions, but provides additional information while they’re en route, such as notifying drivers when there’s a speed camera ahead and whether there’s a traffic jam or roadworks.
The app relies on users to report incidents and alert other drivers and according to the website, there are 115 million Waze users worldwide.
According to the Waze website, users can also give other drivers a heads up about any police patrolling a certain area.
While drivers can just simply input their destination and drive off, without touching their mobile phone again, WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts warns if people are touching their phone while driving, they are breaking the law.
"If you're entering any information, if you're touching the screen for example, then you are breaking the law," Mrs Roberts told Nine News.
"Using it to avoid police is just stupid, it's putting your life at risk, but more importantly it's putting other road user's lives at risk."
According to the Government of Western Australia Road Safety Commission, drivers can use their phones for navigation, only if “no touch of the keypad or screen is required”.
Drivers are also not allowed to use their mobile phone if they are stationary, but not parked – which would mean if a driver is sitting in traffic.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving carries a $400 fine and three demerit points in WA. Other Australian states have similar laws in place, which prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
Earlier this year, Victorian drivers were shocked to find out using their phone while waiting in a drive thru is illegal.
In a poll conducted on Facebook, 65 per cent of people – almost 56,000 people voted it was okay to use their phones.
“If you intend to use your mobile phone to pay at the drive-thru window, apply the handbrake, switch the engine off and then access your mobile phone,” Victorian Police said.
“In doing so, you are not considered driving.”
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