If regulations aren’t adhered to, offenders stand to lose sizable chunks of their pay. This new law penalizes use of hand-held devices. They can no longer type, touch, or so much as “interact” with the screen of any electronic device. Hughes referred to the law as a “blanket approach” to lowering the occurrence of target culture of hyper vigilance.
What the Law Covers:
All navigation including phone, tablet, or dedicated devices will only be able to perform voice commands. New enforcement measures will be applied and law enforcement officers will be carrying out mobile randomized stops and the new detection devices. All new devices will only initiate recording with no other switches, meaning the camera will operate only when a violation will be recorded.
Specific Aspects for Consideration of Payments for New Drivers
In Victoria learner and P plated drivers face and adhere to further restrictions whereby in some states, any form of ‘hands’- on’ interaction with mobile devices is not permitted, even for activating voice commands, absent of the phone being mounted permanently in a holder. These novices drivers must either follow a set pathway, a copilot, or face a $1,000 fine. Some people even say that such policies would restrict learners, but the road safety campaigners believe that the restrictions are necessary.
The road safety logic, which, to some is a little hard to endure is the reason behind voice control. Supporters, of the policy, point to a staggering decrease in accident numbers when drivers are required to maintain full and complete attention on the road. These systems with voice control may allow the user to plan a route, alter the route, and even make the route primary, all without touching the device. Also not seeing the road for some seconds. In New South Wales, a pilot program achieved a remarkable 22% drop in the number of people using their GPS for the six months of the program. Participants in the program were the backbone to the new policies. Public opinion on the new policies varied widely. Some older drivers see the logic behind the new guidelines whereas some younger drivers whose age, on average rely on technology more, voice their frustrations on the new policies. There are already other procedures in place to aid or campaign the new voice-activation policies that are best to avoid in the phone.
Technological and Legal Evolution
After a year’s time the government intends to analyze the consequences of the pilot. Based on survey data and the feedback of the populace, the government is likely to modify the restrictions and/or waivers to the system based on accident data. There is also the possibility of real-time system integration of in-car devices with the departmental server of the transport department, allowing the automated dash boarding of cross system compliance and also providing opportunity for discounts on insurance for no violation records.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s recent decision to mandate the use of in-car voice activated GPS in vehicles is one more stride in the commitment of the country to enhance road and traffic safety in the context of the use of technology.
The $1,000 fine may hit the bold statements, but the country’s overall educational system and technology improvement will be the centerpiece of the long term outcome of this policy. If this system is proven to be effective, it will become a pointer for other nations to take the lead in revolutionizing the concept of distracted driving laws by concluding that ‘hands-free’ is safer.