ACT Policing is warning drivers to keep their eyes on the road and off their mobile phones during a month of driver distraction targeting in September.

Police will target driver distraction offences, which include using a hand-held mobile phone and can attract fines of up to $357 and three demerit points.

Traffic Operations Officer in Charge Station Sergeant Susan Ball said the use of mobile phones was the most common driver distraction offence.

“In the last financial year, ACT Policing caught more than 1,600 drivers distracted by mobile phones,” Station Sergeant Ball said.

“We’re urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road and off their phones. Driving requires your full attention – if you’re looking at your phone and not the road, you may as well be driving blind folded.”

“Mobile phones have become a part of every aspect of our lives – so we understand that it’s a hard habit to break when you get into the car.”

“We want Canberra drivers to fight the FOMO – the fear of missing out. Instead of checking that text straight away, fight the FOMO, and check your device when you reach your destination.”

Last month, ACT Policing targeted seatbelt offences and caught 58 drivers without their seatbelts or with passengers without seatbelts or the correct child restraint device.