Streaming music while driving could cost you more than just a fine

Road users are being urged to keep their eyes on the road, after 60 per cent of Australians admitted to streaming or playing music behind the wheel, compared with just 11 per cent who admitted to texting, according to recent research.

An overwhelming number of drivers said they used their smart phone while driving for reasons other than making calls, a Slater and Gordon survey conducted by Roy Morgan in September 2022 showed.

While 55 per cent said they took hands free or Bluetooth calls while driving, 77 per cent said they used navigation tools while driving.

While many do the right thing and program a set playlist before pulling out of the driveway, using hands-free technology or Bluetooth to select music while driving still contributes to driver distraction, says Slater and Gordon Head of Work and Roads Claims QLD Peta Yujnovich.

“The split second you reach for your phone could cost you more than just a fine. Young drivers are over-represented in road crashes and frequently use apps to select music and podcasts,” Peta says.

“You could be risking more than just a fine and your licence.”

In QLD, which had some of the toughest distraction laws for Learner or P1 drivers, touching your phone to stream music while driving could cost you $1078 and four demerit points.

In QLD, if you’re on a restricted licence – either a learner driver or P1 P-plater and under 25, it’s illegal to use hand-held or hands-free, Bluetooth or voice-activated mobile phone while driving. They cannot use the loudspeaker function and neither can their passengers.

Like driving blind

Streaming music is a distraction that's just as dangerous as texting and often requires looking at your screen and scrolling to find the playlist or song you are looking for. Changing songs and scrolling through popular music apps in your phone while driving puts yourself and other road users at risk of devastating injuries and even death.

If you take your eyes off the road while driving at 60km/h, for just two seconds, you’re travelling 33m blind, according to the WA Road Safety Commission.

How do other states compare?

Queensland has some of the strongest laws that apply to new drivers, followed closely by WA, ACT and Victoria. If you’re planning a road trip it’s best to understand these road rules depending on where you’re headed. Staying off your phone while driving will keep you and others safe.

Drivers on restricted licences, should remember that in QLD, NSW and Victoria it’s illegal to hold a mobile phone or have it resting on any body part while driving. The only safe way to use a phone while driving is when you are parked.

While it is technically acceptable for a QLD open or P2 licence holder to touch their phone in a cradle for hands-free use while driving, to skip a song, use maps or to take a call, it’s important to be vigilant and remain present while doing so. Driving requires our full attention. The safest option is to not use your phone at all while driving.

Understand what fines and demerit points could apply to you, if you are caught using your phone.