But the ACT government's efforts to crack down on this behaviour appears to have been less than effective.

ACT Policing has issued 139 fines and 36 cautions for messaging or social networking on a mobile phone behind the wheel since the new penalty was introduced nine months ago.

In comparison, it gave 935 notices and 389 cautions for talking on a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Last August, Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury announced new offences for Canberra drivers who text, read social media, or in some way use their phones while driving. These drivers can be slapped with a $511 fine and a loss of four demerit points, while those caught talking face a $416 fine and can lose three demerit points.

The new figures show Canberra drivers are six times more likely to be caught speaking on the phone than messaging or using social media.

Peter Frazer, whose 23-year-old daughter was hit and killed by a distracted driver, was supportive of the new penalties when they were announced. He had hoped it would send a strong message of the serious, life-destroying consequences driver distraction can cause.

A 2015 Deloitte mobile consumer survey found more than a third of Australians have admitted using their mobile phones while driving.

Roads Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury reminded road users that a split-second distraction endangers lives.

"It can be really tempting to check your phone or update social media while driving, but it's just the wrong time to do it," he said.

"There will never be a message, tweet or Facebook update so urgent that it can't wait until you've safely reached your destination.

"Other features of our vehicles, including GPS, the radio and in-car controls can also take our attention off the road and increase the risk of an accident."