Mobile crackdown goes on as hundreds caught

POLICE bosses are continuing to crackdown on motorists using their mobile phones whilst driving after it was revealed more than 800 drivers were caught last year.

And, according to the force, the number of people being killed or seriously injured in traffic collisions is on the rise.

South Yorkshire Police, along with members of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, are backing a campaign to protect lives by highlighting the need to give the road your full attention.

In 2023, more than 800 drivers were caught using a mobile phone while driving. Of those, 520 paid a fine and had points added to their licence, 201 were prosecuted and 25 attended an educational course.

And with the law changing in March 2022 to include ‘all uses’ of handheld mobile phones while driving, identifying those breaking the law is much easier.

Chief Inspector Peter Spratt, of South Yorkshire Police’s operational support unit, said: “We know that people are addicted to their screens, but the fact is that using your mobile while driving could cost you your life.

“If your eyes or your hands are on your mobile phone, you are less likely to see hazards, you won’t be in full control of your vehicle and your reaction time will be affected. On the road, you have to expect the unexpected – you aren’t in control of what other people are doing, but you can be in control of your own actions.

“Whatever is on your mobile phone, it can wait. Life is precious. Please don’t risk it.”

Latest figures show that the number of people seriously injured in a collision on our county’s roads has risen by five per cent.

That equates to around 15 people every week.

Among the leading causation factors are distracted driving, failure to look and driving without due care and attention.

“The law was updated to include a range of actions including illuminating the screen, scrolling, listening to voicemail – anything at all that involves touching or activating a handheld device,” added Chief Inspector Spratt.

“And the law applies while you’re waiting at traffic lights or queuing in traffic – even if your engine automatically switches itself off.

“The only time it is legal to use your mobile phone while driving a car is if you are safely parked up, or if it’s an emergency and it’s not safe to stop.

“To help avoid temptation, put your phone in your glove box, silence notifications or use one of the applications available to block use while driving.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership added: “We know that the majority of road users in our county do not use their mobile phone while driving and are concerned by the minority who do.

“Our brains are simply not designed to multi-task in this way.

“You may believe you are an above average driver, but the reality is that you can’t focus on the road if you’re checking your messages or scrolling through social media.

“Have the conversation with friends and don’t feel pressure to reply to calls or messages – your friends and family will understand.”