Blitz on drivers using phones

Today marks the start of a week-long blitz by the Oamaru police aimed at people using cellphones while driving.

They will be keeping a close eye on drivers in the region with "Observers" deployed around town reporting any non-compliance.

This week's police focus is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the introduction of legislation banning mobile phone use while driving and to remind drivers of the risk associated with distraction while driving.

Oamaru police Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy said the campaign was timed to remind drivers of the need to be aware of the very real risk that distractions represent, especially talking and texting on cellphones.

He said police would be highly visible in town in the next week to crack down on cellphone use while driving, as well as checking to ensure all vehicle occupants are wearing safety belts.

"Cellphones are a distraction and we'd encourage people to use Bluetooth and hands-free," he said.

"Texting is a huge issue because you're not looking at the road."

Mr McCoy said there were still drivers and their passengers who did not buckle up in Waitaki.

So Oamaru police will also be focusing on making sure that everyone is wearing a safety belt or child restraint and action will be taken against any drivers, or their passengers, detected who are not wearing seat belts.

Between July and September this year, 33 tickets, at $150 a pop, were issued to drivers and passengers who had failed to wear a seatbelt in the Waitaki region - from Palmerston to Omarama.

Road Policing national manager Superintendent Carey Griffiths said distraction while driving could come in many forms.

"Changing the CD, unrestrained pets, quarrelling children, things rolling round in the car, eating, putting on make-up, to name a few common ones that we come across," he said.

"Driving a car is not something to be taken casually. Everyone should approach driving with respect; after all, for most people it is the most dangerous activity they will ever undertake."

Being one year since the introduction of legislation banning mobile phone use while driving meant there were no excuses for people still failing to comply.

"We will be taking a very firm approach and police will be out nationwide doing their best to impress upon drivers how serious we are about this issue," he said.

"These are two very simple things that we can all do ... It is not hard or time consuming but can be the difference between life and death if something goes wrong."