Avoid the temptation and turn it off – it could save your life. That is the message from Hampshire Constabulary who have today (Monday) launched a crackdown on motorists using their mobile phones while driving.
Roads Policing Officers from the Joint Operations Unit are taking part in a nationwide week-long initiative targeting those who continue to ignore the dangers by using their phone when behind the wheel.
A total of 15% of all fatal collision in Hampshire have involved the driver being distracted or using a mobile phone, yet despite these potentially fatal consequences, motorists are still taking that risk.
Dedicated teams across the county will be stopping drivers caught using their phones, issuing penalties, as well as educating motorists about the dangers of distraction.
The last campaign focusing on mobile phones took place in September and saw 160 drivers caught using their devices.
In 2015 a total of 5,540 people were caught in Hampshire using their mobile phone at the wheel.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said:
“This week’s campaign is to highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving or driving whilst distracted. The majority of people know they should not be using their phone whilst driving, but don’t seem to understand what a huge distraction it can be and take the risk.
“By using your phone you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and your reaction times can be around 50 per cent slower. You are far less aware of what’s happening on the road and often fail to see or react to road signs and signals.
Article continues below this advertisement “Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks either. The problems are caused mainly by mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.
“My advice is to turn your phone off whilst driving, put it out of reach, and out of view. This way you won’t be tempted to look at it and become distracted. It’s not worth the risk.”
The Facts:
• You’re four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving
• Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving
• Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash
The Law:
• It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices.
• The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
• It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.
When you can use a phone in your vehicle:
• If need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
• are safely parked
Using hands-free devices when driving:
• You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and 2-way radios when you’re driving or riding. But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.
Penalties for using your phone while driving:
• You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding. You’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100.
Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.
