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THINK! mobile phone campaign launches in HertfordshirePublished 01/07/2015
THINK! mobile phone campaign launches in Hertfordshire
David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, has backed a month-long THINK! campaign starting today (July 1st) which will target those who use a mobile phone while driving in Hertfordshire.
Throughout July, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit will be out looking for motorists breaking the law.
Inspector Mark Rogers said driving while using a phone is one of the 'fatal four' driving offences, along with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and drink or drug driving.
He said: "Those who use a mobile phone while driving put their own lives and the lives of others at risk. If you are using a phone while driving, your reaction times are 50 per cent slower and you are four times more likely to have a collision. Recent research has suggested it impairs your ability to drive safely as much as being over the alcohol limit. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
“Throughout July we will carry out targeted patrols to enforce the law. You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.”
David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “I fully support this campaign as dangerous or anti-social driving on the county’s roads has been a priority for me since day one. It is clear that some motorists still believe it is ok to use a phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle, just as in days gone by some thought it was acceptable to drink and drive or not wear a seat belt. Today most people know better and yet do not understand that taking their focus off the road because of a text, email or call can be just as dangerous.”
Motorists are advised to turn their mobile phone off or lock it in the glove box while driving to avoid being distracted or tempted to answer.
In 2014, more than 6425 people were issued with tickets for driving while using a mobile phone across the three counties – 989 in Beds, 2415 in Cambs and 3021 in Herts.
David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, has backed a month-long THINK! campaign starting today (July 1st) which will target those who use a mobile phone while driving in Hertfordshire.
Throughout July, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit will be out looking for motorists breaking the law.
Inspector Mark Rogers said driving while using a phone is one of the 'fatal four' driving offences, along with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and drink or drug driving.
He said: "Those who use a mobile phone while driving put their own lives and the lives of others at risk. If you are using a phone while driving, your reaction times are 50 per cent slower and you are four times more likely to have a collision. Recent research has suggested it impairs your ability to drive safely as much as being over the alcohol limit. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
“Throughout July we will carry out targeted patrols to enforce the law. You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.”
David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, said: “I fully support this campaign as dangerous or anti-social driving on the county’s roads has been a priority for me since day one. It is clear that some motorists still believe it is ok to use a phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle, just as in days gone by some thought it was acceptable to drink and drive or not wear a seat belt. Today most people know better and yet do not understand that taking their focus off the road because of a text, email or call can be just as dangerous.”
Motorists are advised to turn their mobile phone off or lock it in the glove box while driving to avoid being distracted or tempted to answer.
In 2014, more than 6425 people were issued with tickets for driving while using a mobile phone across the three counties – 989 in Beds, 2415 in Cambs and 3021 in Herts.
