Texting bays trial to prevent use of phones while driving

We all know we shouldn’t text while driving, but the message doesn’t seem to be getting through to everyone.

To help prevent the ongoing problem, Western Australia has introduced texting bays along their regional highways.

The bays, on trial until April 28, aims to discourage people from texting or checking their mobiles while driving long distances.

Five bays have been set up in the state so far as part of the trial, with other states keen to see what the results are.

The new concept recognises that while 90 per cent of drivers know they shouldn’t text, 57 per cent admit they might.

While there are currently no plans to trial the bays in Queensland a spokesperson from Queensland’s Traffic and Main Roads said they will review the results of the WA trial once it is completed.

Texting while driving is illegal, and can result in a fine and loss of points.

The reality is that it is also more likely to result in an accident, as drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash if they are distracted by their mobiles.

Over the Easter Weekend the road toll reached 11, with two people dying in a three-car crash in Queensland on Monday afternoon. Three other people were taken to hospital, with a teenage boy airlifted in a critical condition.

Do you think this idea will help save lives?