Campaign to change drivers’ behaviour

Roadwise committees across the South West have joined forces to drive home the message that distracted drivers need to change their behaviour.

Bunbury City Council is among 15 other local governments joining police to crack down on drivers who text or talk on the phone while driving.

The ‘M8 the call can W8’ campaign has grown from just two local governments in 2014 with last year’s campaign resulting in a positive response from motorists, according to the council.

Running until December 17, the campaign asks for drivers to turn off their mobile phones when driving.

It also focuses on people who are making calls or sending text messages to people they know are behind the wheel.

Bunbury RoadWise Committee chairwoman Betty McCleary said drivers who used their phones while behind the wheel were four-times more likely to be involved in a crash.

“Our message is that it is not the end of the world if you miss one call or a text message, but it could be the end of your way of life if you are distracted by your phone and are involved in a crash,” she said.

Bumpers stickers with the ‘M8 the call can W8’ slogan are available.