That’s the message from police who have launched a crackdown on motorists using their mobile phones.
Roads Policing Officers from the Joint Operations Unit have been taking part in a nationwide, week-long initiative targeting drivers who continue to ignore the dangers. A total of 15 per cent of all fatal collisions 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 are 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.
Drivers can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding. It involves three penalty points on their licence and a fine of £100. The case could also go to court and result in a driving ban and maximum fine of £1,000.
Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: "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. 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.’
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 about 50 per cent 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.
What’s allowed: If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop or are safely parked.
Using hands-free devices: 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 get stopped and penalised.