ILLAWARRA drivers are reminded to focus on the road with more than one in four (27 per cent) still using their mobile phone at the wheel.
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Lake Illawarra Police have urged drivers not to talk on their phones for fear of "catastrophic" consequences.
The results are based on a recent survey of 500 NSW drivers conducted by Pure Profile Research.
The survey also revealed:
● 91 per cent of respondents said they had texted or read emails;
● 50 per cent updated their Facebook status or Tweeted;
● 22 per cent posted photos on Instagram;
● 50 per cent played games; and
● 76 per cent took photos while driving.
Acting Sergeant Mark Scott, the crime prevention officer at the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command, said they had noted, and were concerned by, increasing number of drivers who were committing these offences.
"We're finding that a lot of P-platers are recidivist offenders," he said.
"We believe it's the cause of a lot more motor vehicle accidents statewide.
"They are distracted and not paying attention; making poor judgment calls when driving because of the distraction. It's a huge problem. The consequences can be catastrophic."
Acting Sergeant Scott said police would not show any leniency to those caught committing such offences.
"The more the phones can do, the more people want to play with them," he said.
"Don't do it. Don't talk on your phone, or play with it while driving.
"The risk of an accident happening increases dramatically, and the financial cost if you get caught is very high too."
Fines of $314 and three demerit points - four in a school zone - can apply for those caught using their mobile while driving.
NRMA Insurance spokeswoman Tracy Woodley said the results were of concern as drivers continued to ignore safety warnings.
"All too often, we see drivers running the risk and talking on their mobile phone or glancing down to write or read a text message, putting their lives, other drivers and pedestrians at risk," she said.
"We understand everyone leads busy lives and social media is handy to stay connected with friends and family.
"However, drivers shouldn't risk the worst happening for the sake of a status update, tweet or photo post."
During an operation last month in the Southern police region, of which the Illawarra is part, 76 drivers were caught using their phone.