Driver fined after filming collision scene

ACT Policing is releasing police footage of a driver using their mobile phone while driving to capture video of a crash scene as they passed it on Friday (11 November 2022).

About 8:25am, ACT Road Policing members were working in a closed lane of the Barton Highway, Nicholls, after a collision between a car and a bicycle that morning. Police vehicles had their warning lights illuminated and message board on their vehicles reminding motorists to slow to 40km/h.

While processing the collision scene, officers observed a woman driving her vehicle holding a mobile phone in her left hand.

Footage of the driver was captured by police in-car cameras, and when officers contacted the driver later in the day, she confirmed she had been filming the scene of the collision.

She will be fined $598 and accrue four points on her licence for using her mobile device, while driving, for purposes other than making a phone call.

ACT Road Policing Officer in Charge, Acting Inspector Ken Williams said this incident was the latest in a horror year on ACT roads where the safety of multiple people was put at risk.

“This driver showed little regard for their own safety, as well as that of police, other first responders, and the people involved in a collision,” Acting Inspector Williams said.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated matter. Police see it far too often when attending collisions. You shouldn’t have to think about it, it’s just common sense to take extra care when driving past hazards on the roadways such as collision scenes.”

“This is a driver not paying attention. Inattention can lead to a second collision, which can result in death or serious injury.”

Note for editors: Incorrect use of a mobile device while driving to make a phone call carries penalties of a $498 and three demerit points. Incorrect use of a mobile device for any other purpose attracts the larger penalty specified in the release. 

For journalists: Broadcast quality video of this incident can be downloaded from Hightail. (This link will expire in seven days.)

Media enquiries: Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au