Police have been left extremely disappointed after a driver was stopped after he was allegedly seen filming a crash scene on his mobile phone as he drove past in the state’s west.
About 3.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 March 2018), emergency services responded to a crash on the Barrier Highway, 41km east of Cobar, in which a Toyota Hilux towing a caravan had lost control and tipped.
The driver, a 64-year-old woman, and passenger, a 66-year-old man, were both trapped for some time before being taken to Cobar Airport then airlifted to hospital.
The woman, who was taken to North Shore Hospital, suffered suspected broken bones while the man, who was taken to Orange Base Hospital, suffered minor injuries.
There were diversions in place for a number of hours due to the crash blocking the highway.
While managing traffic, police observed a man driving past while allegedly holding his mobile phone on the steering wheel to film the crash scene.
The 55-year-old man was stopped by officers and issued an infringement notice for using his mobile phone while driving.
Inspector Steven Munn from Darling River said messages on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving are clearly not getting through to some people.
"Here we have a serious crash where people are trapped and injured, and then we have a person idiotically filming the incident on their mobile phone as they drive past," Inspector Munn said.
"I’d like to say it’s unbelievable, but sadly, over 29 years in the police, I can tell you it is not uncommon to see drivers using phones, driving too fast or watching emergency services rather than paying attention to their driving at crash sites.
"Police, Ambulance and volunteers from the SES and RFS were at this scene with an important job to do – we are trying to help those in the crash, we’re trying to keep the traffic moving and we’re trying to keep everyone else safe.
"Instead we’re having to chase after someone who thinks it’s okay to break the law and put his life and the lives of others in danger by using his mobile phone while driving. This is completely unacceptable."
Meanwhile, investigations into yesterday’s crash are continuing. While the cause of this crash is yet to be determined police would like to remind drivers who are towing to be aware of the gross vehicle mass of their vehicle and trailer to ensure they are not overloaded, NSW Police say.
Police are urging anyone with information or who may have seen two men around North Street, to call Crime Stoppers.
