Crackdown on drivers using phone at wheel

AMAJOR crackdown is being launched on motorists who use mobile phones while driving.

Police forces are teaming up with Road Safety Wales to urge drivers to “keep their eyes on the road” as part of the enforcement campaign.

The number of people using mobiles to make calls, texts or social media updates while behind the wheel has risen since last year.

Running from today to October 7, the campaign led by Dyfed-Powys Police aims to raise awareness of the dangers.

Inspector Martin Best from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Even the most experienced or competent of drivers can be easily distracted and a slight lapse in concentration can have serious consequences.

“With the increased use of smart phones we are also seeing drivers being distracted whilst accessing their apps, reading their emails or accessing the internet.

“Drivers need to be aware that these actions carry the same danger and the same penalty.”

Police patrols will increase across the country for the duration of the enforcement campaign. Motorists will also be made aware of the serious penalties they face if they are caught on their phone while driving.

Distracted driving is expected to be the biggest cause of death and injuries on roads in 2015.

In Wales more than 900 motorists were caught using their mobile phones during a similar campaign in the 2014.

Inspector Best added: “Far too many tragedies on our roads are avoidable. Our message is simple – keep your eyes on the road.

“You can pick up any missed calls or texts when it is safe to do so, but not whilst you are driving.

“A lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating to road users and pedestrians, and this is why officers from all four Welsh forces will be carrying out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger road users in this way.”

Susan Storch, chairman of Road Safety Wales, said: “Driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond needs to wait until we are safely parked up.

“Campaigns such as this demonstrate the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message of not using your mobile phone behind the wheel.

“No call or text is that important.”