Police blitz nabs more than 5000 distracted motorists in just two months Distracted ... A police blitz has caught a disturbing number of motorists using mobile phones while driving. MORE than 5000 motorists have been fined or reported for "distraction" offences on South Australian roads in just two months, police have revealed. In July police reported 2556 offences, prompting a month-long extension of Operation Distraction in a bid to get the message across to motorists. In August, more than 2500 offences were detected. Of those, 1572 were fined for driving while using a mobile phone. Since the death of a 66-year-old man at the Gepps Cross intersection in July, police have repeatedly targeted the five-way intersection as part of Operation Distraction. On Friday police issued 51 expiation notices in just two hours to motorists using mobile phones and tablets while driving. In August the largest number of motorists caught using their mobile phones were in the Eastern Adelaide Local Service Area (281) followed by Holden Hill (246) and Sturt (215). More than 650 motorists were caught statewide during the month not wearing a seatbelt, many of those were country motorists. The highest number of detections was in Far North Local Service Area (66) followed by Eyre Western (59) and Yorke Mid-North (55). In addition 181 people were detected failing to have effective control of a vehicle and 108 drivers were reported for driving without due care. Currently 75 people have died so far this year on the state's roads, compared with 62 at the same time last year and police say the message is just not getting through to motorists, "We are disappointed the drivers are continuing to risk their own lives, and those of other road users, by using their mobile phones - or tablets - while driving," Superintendent Bob Fauser, Officer in Charge of Traffic Support Branch, said. While police are focused on bringing the road toll down, we can't do it alone - we need community help. We need people to wake up to themselves and the dangers of their actions. Supt Fauser said that while the operation had ended, it won't stop police from remaining vigilant. "These matters are serious traffic offences, and no one should take comfort from the blitz being finished," he said. Police make no apologies for targeting drivers who do the wrong thing.