Too many fingers talking

Drivers are resorting to risky methods to flout the handheld cellphone ban, Christchurch police say.

Police are concerned at a growing number of motorists using phones while driving.

Sergeant Scott Richardson, of the Christchurch strategic traffic unit, said compliance was "excellent" immediately after the law change in November, but talking and texting while driving was on the rise.

"More worrying is that some people are now trying to text covertly while driving by keeping their cellphones low, taking their eyes off the road as they look down to text," Richardson said.

Cellphone use was identified as a factor in 1218 New Zealand crashes, including 18 fatalities, between January 2005 and last October.

"Considering the triviality of most text messages, you have to wonder whether it is worth risking a fine and your driving licence, or potentially being involved in a serious crash," he said.

Christchurch psychologist Alice Boyes said "misplaced pride" could be to blame. "Some people see it as a skill to be able to do those two things at once.

"It is some kind of faulty belief that allows the behaviour. They think that they've done it before and nothing bad has happened, so it won't this one time."

Some drivers had similar attitudes to speeding and drink-driving, she said.

"People may be overestimating the potential rewards while underestimating potential consequences."

Boyes said people have been in the habit of texting when there was no law. It was difficult to change a habit once it was established and "you've been doing it without any consequences".

"We've been sucked into all of the things that are really good about being able to have immediate communication, and I think people are starting to figure out that maybe they don't want to be connected all of the time," she said.

The Automobile Association's Mike Noon said greater driver education was needed. "Until it becomes cemented ... not to use a phone, the advertising should be out there to reinforce the message."

Police operations to deter drivers will be run in the next few months.

- © Fairfax NZ News