An "alarmingly high level" of distracted drivers in Wellington this week has left police disappointed.
Wellington District road policing manager Inspector Brad Allen said checkpoints at Hataitai on Tuesday and Wednesday had seen 55 infringement notices issued.
In just 90 minutes on Tuesday, officers had stopped 32 people who were using their phones while going around the corner.
Four others weren't wearing their seatbelt.
"We see distraction as a contributing factor time and time again," Allen said.
He said it takes a split second of inattention to cause or be involved in a crash.
"Every day Wellington Police attend a number of preventable crashes, where distractions, speed, seatbelts, and not driving to the conditions are not only contributing factors but also mitigate the seriousness of injuries and whether you walk away or are carried.
"Is sending or reading a text or taking a phone call while driving really worth the risk? When you're driving, your focus should be on the road and getting everybody in your car to the destination safely. Put the phone away and keep your eyes on the road, this includes when you're stopped at traffic lights or in gridlock traffic.
"If some messages or calls are really too important to dismiss pull over to the side of the road, park your car and only then pick up your phone," Allen advised.
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