Wollongong police are urging motorists to forget about social media while they are driving, launching a new campaign to remind drivers of the dangers of using mobile phones.
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The "Wait, Don't Update" campaign kicked off on Tuesday at the University of Wollongong's O-Week celebrations and aims to highlight the dangers of using a phone while driving.
NSW Police say mobile phone use has been linked to at least 216 crashes, including 100 fatal crashes, statewide in the past five years. After a community grant from NRMA, Wollongong police asked UOW graphic design students to develop the campaign as part of their main design project.
Senior Constable Mark Devine, Wollongong police's crime prevention officer, said the campaign was launched at the university to specifically target younger students and international students.
"Young people are keeping in touch through social media and texting, but behind the wheel, that is a dangerous and illegal practice," he said.
"If your phone is in your hand, whether that's texting, typing or changing a song, that's against the law."
Snr Const Devine said phones should be placed in a hands-free cradle to talk or to use a GPS function, but should not be used otherwise. Use of a mobile phone while driving can result in a $415 fine, the loss of three demerit points, and possible loss or suspension of licence.
"It is a distraction, and probably a way bigger factor in crashes than what is reported," he said.
"We want to target young drivers early, before they form these habits."
