
Everyone thinks they’re the exception. You hear the ping, pick up your phone, and tell yourself, “It’s just a quick glance.” You assume you’ll notice the car braking ahead or the pedestrian stepping out.
But looking at your phone, even for a moment, is like driving blindfolded. In fact, two seconds on your phone at 60km/h is equal to 33 metres – that’s longer than a full basketball court.
In 2023 alone, inattention contributed to crashes that resulted in the death or serious injury of 59 Western Australians.
To combat mobile phone distraction on our roads, the Road Safety Commission has launched “Headstone Phone,” a bold new campaign aimed at confronting drivers with the deadly consequences of distracted driving.
A two-metre-tall “Headstone Phone” has been erected at Yagan Square, etched with the stark reminder: “Your next text message isn’t worth your last breath.” This sobering monument, crafted by a local stonemason, serves as a powerful symbol of the fatal consequences of a momentary lapse in attention.
“We understand the powerful pull of our phones,” said Rebecca Hamilton, Acting Road Safety Commissioner. “But we need drivers to understand that even a quick glance can have devastating, irreversible consequences”.
“This campaign calls on WA drivers to help make every journey safe by choosing to put their phone away. No text message is worth your life.”
As of last weekend, new safety cameras capable of detecting spot speed, average speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences began rolling out on WA roads.
Anyone detected by these safety cameras using their mobile phone while driving will receive a caution notice in the mail. That’s where this campaign also comes into play.
“We are doing everything we can to educate people on the risks of using their phone while driving and giving them the opportunity to change their dangerous driving behaviour before infringements are issued”, Rebecca said.
The “Headstone Phone” installation will be located within Yagan Square Perth, between Friday 31 January and Friday 14 February 2025. The installation will be supported by a series of billboards, radio and social media videos.
More information about mobile phones and distractions and safety cameras is available on our website.