Police To Target Drivers Using Mobile Devices While behind The Wheel

Humberside Police are taking part in a national incentive to tackle the issue of motorists using their mobile phones while at the wheel.

Switch Off Before You Drive Off aims to tackle the growing problem of people using their phones to call, text and even live stream their journey which they say is putting other road users at risk.

Running throughout this week until the 29 January, currently drivers face a ban and £100 phone if caught using their mobile devices while behind the wheel.

Commenting on the scheme and this issue Police are looking to address Casualty Reduction Officer PC Simon Carlisle said:

“Legislation was introduced way back in 2003 which prohibits the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving.  But with the advances in hand held devices and the worrying increases in the use of these devices at the wheel, the law is now being changed again.

“In March 2017 a change of the law will take place to reflect the severity of this offence.  Not only will those caught get a £200 fixed penalty fine, but if they are caught twice and accrue 12 points they will automatically appear in court and face a fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban of up to six months.

“One of the biggest changes is that new drivers could face having their licenses revoked after the first offence, and to regain their license must reapply for a provisional licence and may only drive as a learner until they pass further theory and practical tests.  This process would run up a bill of over £100 on top of the £200 fine so not only is it dangerous, it’ll be a very expensive mistake to make.”

“There is growing evidence the use of mobile phones is becoming a more common contributory causation factor in many serious collisions.  It is the mental distraction more than the physical distraction that causes the problems. I want people to think about the dangers of using a mobile phone at the wheel and not to put their, or other people’s, lives at risk.

“Although it is currently legal to use hands free kits, this still causes a similar mental distraction to that of a hand held mobile phone and the latest version of the Highway Code, revised in 2007, actively discourages the use of hands free kit.”

Even if you’re using a hands-free phone you should avoid making or answering calls when driving.  All phone calls distract drivers’ attention from the road.

If you’re not driving, don’t call other people when they’re driving. If you call someone and they tell you they are driving, ask them to call you back when they have parked up safely.