ONE hundred and forty motorists were fined for “distracted driving” in August, with the majority using mobile phones while driving, say police.

Of the 140 drivers, 130 were fined for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving and nine others were fined for failing to drive without proper control of their vehicle.

Police revealed that a driver travelling in an 80km/h zone who is distracted from the road ahead for three seconds is effectively driving a distance of 60 metres blindfolded.

Officer-in-Charge of Traffic Operations Sergeant Mark Steel said the alarming scenario highlighted the importance that driving is a skill that requires full attention.

“Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road could result in a collision and the potential for loss of life,” Sergeant Mark Steel said.

“Three seconds (such as checking a mobile text message, dealing with the kids in the back seat or applying make-up) whereby a driver’s attention is taken away from the road could have fatal consequences.”

ACT Policing targeted driver distraction throughout the month of August as part of its multi-agency road safety strategy. As part of this strategy, the target for September will shift to Traffic Control offences.