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Hands-free ban for new drivers across the ACT

A question that seems to be on every young-person or new driver’s lips at the moment is whether the new total ban of hands-free mobile phone usage will actually reduce the road death toll?

From July 1st, learner drivers those on P-plates in the national capital will be fined for talking hands-free on a mobile phone.

The ACT will extend the current ban on calling, texting or using social media when driving to the use of Bluetooth hands-free or speaker systems to interact with phones while L and P-platers are driving.

The ACT government has apparently acted on international evidence it is not safe to use any device while driving, and the risks that are higher for younger drivers.

Research shows drivers who look at their mobile phones while driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash.

University of Canberra research from 2016 found three-quarters of young drivers had read a text message while driving in the past week, while more than half had sent at least one text message.

GPS-enabled devices can still be used under the new scheme, provided that the device is not being held by the driver and is programmed before the trip starts so that it requires no interaction during travel.

There is a similar exception for listening to audio such as music and podcasts.

Do let us know what your thoughts are on this new law and don’t forget if you are in trouble with the law for any charges related to driving, we can help. Just contact our office today and talk to one of our excellent team of lawyers.

Source of main article – Canberra Times

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