Warrnambool highway patrol is vowing to run regular crackdowns on distracted and dangerous drivers after 71 offences were detected in the city’s CBD in two days.
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More than 40 people were caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel while two motorists received penalty notices for failing to have proper control of a vehicle after they were caught eating behind the wheel.
Senior Constable Corey Holland, of Warrnambool police highway patrol unit, said one driver was caught eating a hamburger while another was drinking from a large tub of yoghurt.
”At first officers believed the motorist was eating a bowl of cereal while driving, but as they pulled along side the vehicle prior to it being intercepted, they realised the motorist was actually drinking yoghurt,” he said.
Plain clothed highway patrol and general duties officers patrolled the intersections of Raglan Parade and Banyan Street, Liebig Street and Koroit Street, and Raglan Parade and Liebig Street on Wednesday and Friday.
Senior Constable Holland said 45 people were caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel, including nine probationary drivers.
“This ranged from people talking on the phone, using it to operate a GPS or texting,” he said.
“We wanted to use our new spotters to catch people using their mobile phones while driving and while they definitely work, it is disappointing to see so many people willing to use their mobile phone while driving in the CBD.”