SA police to crackdown on phone users

The growing popularity of smartphones has sparked a rise in the number of motorists being caught using the devices while driving, Adelaide police say.

Local officers will conduct a month-long crackdown on phone use in September after a similar operation in June nabbed more than 1500 offenders, or more than 50 drivers each day.

Chief Inspector Brett Foster says the rapid expansion of entertainment, communication and information technology, in particular the increased popularity of smartphones, has increased potential distractions for drivers, riders and pedestrians.

"Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times," he said.