Mobile-using drivers targeted in campaign

Motorists are being urged to ditch their mobiles while driving — even if using them hands-free.

Kent County Council (KCC) is running a month-long campaign after conducting a survey revealing that 73% of people in Kent believe the biggest threat to them on the roads is drivers using their phones at the wheel.

The awareness campaign aims to remind drivers that phones cause a huge distraction and impacts driving more than even alcohol and drugs.

The road safety team leader at KCC, Vicky Harvey, said: “The reality is that no two activities can be given equal attention — one task will always be more dominant.

“With a task as important as driving, even just a slip in concentration due to a mobile phone could lead to severe consequences.

“It impairs reaction time, reduces concentration levels, leads to poorer judgment of speed and distance and reduces your field of vision.

“Drivers using mobile phones make the roads less safe for us all.”

KCC is also warning drivers not to be fooled into thinking handsfree calls are legal or safe.

The campaign is backed by Kent Police and will run throughout July, including on kmfm.

Picture: Stock photo Don’t use a mobile phone while driving