FILMING his puppy while driving has led to a hefty fine for an Echuca man.
Campaspe Highway Patrol members were patrolling in an unmarked car when they saw the man, aged in his early 20s, driving west along Ogilvie Ave about 5.15pm on Saturday.
“He was observed using his phone, holding it up oddly as he travelled,” Senior Constable Corey Holland said.
Police followed the ute and pulled up alongside it at the intersection of Ogilvie Ave and Northern Hwy to find he was still using his phone.
‘‘He was intercepted and when asked his reason for using a mobile phone, the driver stated he was videoing his new puppy as it stuck its head out the side of the utility,’’ Snr Constable Holland said.
The mistake cost the man $496 and four demerit points.
Snr Constable Holland said using a mobile phone for any reason was extremely distracting for drivers whose focus should always be operating the vehicle.
‘‘The culpability of phone use while driving is even more emphasised,’’ he said.
‘‘Drivers may incidentally creep over a speed limit, they might fail to observe a no U-turn sign, or forget to use an indicator.
‘‘But you can’t accidentally use a mobile phone.
‘‘Drivers make the choice to pick up a phone, and whether it’s to take a video or photo, check a message, or make a call, or change the music playing through the stereo. Using a phone for any purpose while driving is dangerous.’’
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