The insurance industry has applauded the use of high definition cameras in NSW to catch drivers illegally using their mobile phones while on the move.

The NSW Government rolled out the measure this month after a successful trial nabbed more than 100,000 offenders. It is the first jurisdiction globally to install automated cameras to clamp down on the offence.

Since 2012, the state has seen about 182 crashes linked to drivers or riders using a mobile phone, including 13 deaths and 243 injuries.

Major motor insurers IAG and Suncorp have welcomed the move, as has the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).

The industry believes the measure will improve road safety for drivers and pedestrians, and drive down claims costs.

“Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal and can impair and distract a driver, potentially leading to fatal accidents,” an IAG spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au today.

“The introduction of drivers being penalised if caught by a mobile phone detection camera can help improve and change drivers’ behaviours.”

Suncorp-owned GIO, a leading motor insurer in the state, also backed the move.

“GIO strongly encourages drivers to stay off their mobile phone unless parked to avoid a penalty and most importantly, keep the roads safe,” a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Independent modelling has shown the cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years, NSW Centre for Road Safety Executive Director of Transport Bernard Carlon said.

“There is strong community support for more enforcement, with 80% of people surveyed supporting the use of detection cameras to stop illegal mobile phone use,” he said.

ICA spokesman Campbell Fuller says the industry hopes the measure, which could be mirrored in other states and territories, will result in improved driver behaviours and fewer collisions.