Cameras Cut Crashes :(

***UPDATE 191009 2pm***

Seems like its a win for common sense
http://www.roadrules.vicroads.vic.gov.au/14_rule_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html 

• Changes to the new mobile phone rules
  The new mobile phone rules have been revised. The change now allows both the navigational (GPS) and audio/music functions of a mobile phone to be used, provided the mobile phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle.

More after the jump
——————————————————————–

Just like most roads ministers, it’s amazing that they all talk large with little vocal opposition, but when they need to do a backflip they run a mile from being public.

Today we have discovered that the 10years revision on the Vic Road Rules (already 12months out of date) have had some significant changes slipped in.
Changes have been made to the wording and direction concerning the use of GPS on a mobile/smart phone.

Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving to make or receive a phone call or listen to audio/music is prohibited except if the phone:
is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle,
or
can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone.
Using a mobile phone as a GPS while driving is prohibited except if it is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle.
All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.

New Legislation here 
this is THE rule – www.bit.ly/RoadRules2009
Full link (PDF) – Legislation.vic.gov.au/09-094sr.pdf

But Vicroads reading of the fine print is a mess.

Original 
14_rule_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html
14_faq_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html

Revised changes (17.10.09)
14_rule_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html
14_faq_using_mobile_phones_and_visual_display_units.html

PDF copy of pages – mobile_gps.pdf

Questions asked on the vicroads site today

I would like written clarification of the reviewed roadlaws regarding mobile phone and gps use.

can a gps be used in a cradle?
can the gps function of a mobile phone be used while in a cradle?
can a mobile phone call be made via a gps unit if the mobile phone is not touched?
can a gps be touched to use it if in a cradle?
can a mobile phone be touched if in a cradle?
can a mobile phone car kit be touched to activate a call?
can a retail-bought velcro kit be used to affix phone to car to hold it?
this is commercially available in stores.

these questions are a bit more specific than the vague FAQ available at the moment
thanks for a prompt reply on each point

Full page ad in weekend theHun newspaper.

Previous comments by the roads minister
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/3aw-generic-blog/new-laws-to-combat-phone-use-in-cars/20090828-f1o5.html?page=0

Audio here (4mb)  – http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/280809_Tim_Pallas.mp3

 :(

Updated articles theAge 19/20.10
http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/vicroads-backdown-on-mobile-gps-ban-20091019-h4d0.html

VicRoads backdown on mobile GPS ban

CADE LUCAS
October 20, 2009 – 9:02AM

Victorian drivers will be able to use smartphones as in-car navigation tools after VicRoads backed down on a proposed blanket ban on mobile GPS devices.
The revised Victorian mobile phone rules, which come into force on November 9, were announced by VicRoads in newspaper advertisements over the weekend.
The previously announced rule, which drew international media attention, banned drivers from using mobile GPS applications as navigation systems.
The use of mobile-phone GPS systems is becoming more widespread, and the ban was seen as a threat to the growing market in smartphone applications and services.

The changes will now allow drivers to use their mobile as a GPS device as long as it sits in a cradle or is remotely operated.

Under the new laws, drivers will be prohibited from holding their phones or resting them on their lap, even if they are turned off.
Drivers can still make and receive phone calls or listen to music if the phone is sitting in a specially designed cradle.
Any other use of the phone, such watching videos, text messaging or playing games while driving, is banned.

A VicRoads spokeswoman said the rule had been “clarified” after it previously prohibited all mobile phone functions except phone calls – even if the device was in a cradle.
“The change now states that in addition to to being able to make or receive a call when the driver is using a phone in a cradle or remotely, the driver is also able to use the music/audio (without video) functions,” she said in a statement.
“Using a phone as a GPS is also permitted, but only if the phone is secured in a commercially designed cradle.
“All other functions of the phone outside of GPS and music/audio (without video) remain prohibited.”
The new rules will affect iPhones that use apps such as those made by TomTom, Navigon and Sygic; Nokia phones using its Ovi Maps; Telstra phones using its Whereis Navigator GPS service and any other service or software that enables a mobile phone to be used as an in-car navigation device.

Drivers caught breaking the new laws will be fined $234 and lose three demerit points.
VicRoads says research has shown that a driver is four times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone.
In Victoria, the act of driving while using a mobile ranks among the state’s top three driving offences. blah blah blah

Previous articles
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/cartech/sat-nav-apps-could-be-heading-for-a-dead-end-20090918-fv1v.html