Police launch crackdown on drivers using mobile phones

It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving.

“We understand how hard it can be to ignore your mobile phone, but there’s not a single reason that will excuse putting people’s lives at risk, and hopefully these new stricter penalties will mean drivers think twice”. The only exception to the rule is if a driver needs to call emergency services and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

AA president Edmund King said too many motorists are “addicted” to their phones, with half of young drivers unable to bring themselves to switch them off before starting a journey.

In one horrific example, trucker Tomasz Kroker killed a mother and her three young children after ploughing into their stationary auto at 50mph on the A34 near Newbury, Berkshire.

It was launched a year ago after a shocking string of fatal accidents involving motorists who were phoning, texting or checking social media while driving. Sussex Police are calling on members of the public to back this campaign. A video (above) launched as part of the effort aims to drill the message home that texting while driving is even more risky than drunk driving.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the Institute of Advanced Drivers, said the new law sends a “strong message” to drivers – but warned imposing harsher fines was simply not enough. “Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of those around you”. As my auto was turning a corner, another vehicle was also turning a corner in the opposite direction, but completely cut into my lane. Half of young drivers can’t bear to turn them off in the vehicle.

Ministers met mobile manufacturers and network providers to see what kind of options would be available, with ideas including introducing a drive-safe mode (similar to airplane mode), or even using Global Positioning System to block calls and texts above certain speeds. This includes when stopped at a red light or queuing in traffic.

For whatever reason, death doesn’t always deter people from texting and driving.

In just a few hours Surrey Police said a number of drivers had already been caught.

How will the new law be enforced? .

Fines for using mobile phones whilst driving were first introduced in 2003 and were just £30.

Out of those, 11 people died. Maybe if the guy does it again, he’ll have to do bird…

“I wonder whether perhaps it will make much difference”. He was looking for music on his phone while driving his lorry. I’m as flawed as anybody.