'Texting bays' for leavers who can't wait

WA Police have signposted ‘texting bays’ for drivers heading to Dunsborough ahead of official leavers’ celebrations next week.

The ‘texting bays’ will be located at existing rest stops, where drivers can safely pull off the road and use their mobile phones.

Main Roads will provide visual message boards along the highway, letting drivers know the locations of the bays and how far they are away.

One bay will be located on Old Coast Road between Mandurah and Bunbury and the other on Bussell Highway between Bunbury and Busselton.

South West District Inspector Pete Davies said the initiative was another way to increase the safety of leavers.

"We recognise that teenagers are constantly using their smart phone for texting and social media, but the reality is that using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous and illegal,” he said.

"We encourage drivers that ‘it can wait’ if you do receive a text message – use the bays and keep you and your passengers safe."

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving can attract a $250 fine and three demerit points.

It also increases the risk of being involved in a crash by up to four times.