More than 70 drivers were caught using a hand-held mobile phone on Canberra's roads in June, prompting police to remind drivers it was like "driving blind-folded".
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ACT traffic police caught 83 motorists who had taken their eyes off the road as part of a month-long crackdown on distracted driving.
That was 78 fewer drivers than the same time last year, prompting police to praise motorists who appeared to be getting the message that phone use behind the wheel was dangerous.
Police fined 48 drivers and cautioned another 32 for using their mobile phone.
They also nabbed three drivers for driving with a foggy or frosted windscreen.
Traffic operations acting officer in charge Sergeant Sue Smith said mobile phone use was a problem but she was pleased to see fewer distracted drivers than the same time last year.
"When we did the same targeting in June 2014, police caught 161 distracted drivers.
"The drop in numbers suggests that people are starting to get the message about mobile phones and driving.
Sergeant Smith said driving demanded a person's full attention.
"If you're looking down at your phone even for a second, you're effectively driving blindfolded.
"When you look up and there's something in front of you, you just won't have enough time to stop."
ACT Policing will shift its traffic focus back to speeding drivers throughout July.
"Speeding is one of the top contributors to death and injury on our roads," Sergeant Smith said.
"While police will do our part by enforcing the speed limit, we're asking everyone to make a personal commitment to slow down and help avoid any more tragedies on our roads."
