• The latest campaign to keep motorists off their phones while driving moves up a gear today
• Figures show that 23% per cent of drivers, caught using a mobile phone while driving in Gloucestershire, were at the wheel of a commercial vehicle
• 35% of drivers under the age of 25 check texts, emails or social media accounts while they’re at the wheel according to research
• The use of a mobile phone whilst driving is among the most common causes of road deaths. Drivers using a phone, handheld or hands free, are four times more likely to be involved in a collision, far less likely to notice and react to hazards, more likely to show poor lane discipline and make more variable speed choices
• Nigel Lloyd-Jones, The Police and Crime Commissioner’s spokesman on his Safe and Social Roads policy said, “We appreciate the support of businesses in highlighting this issue to their drivers and their employees”.
Almost one in four drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving in Gloucestershire were at the wheel of a commercial vehicle, according to figures compiled over the last five years.
While 23% of those caught on the phone could be classed as ‘professional’ drivers, research shows that 35% of drivers under the age of 25 regularly check texts, emails or social media accounts while they’re at the wheel.
With fewer vehicles on the road because of lockdown, those percentages are likely to be even higher.
Today marks the start of the enforcement phase of a campaign which began some weeks ago when local businesses were advised about the dangers involved if their drivers used their phone while driving. They were also warned that as part of a week-long nationwide operation, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Specialist Operations teams would join other forces in targeting drivers who continue to ignore the message.
Any form of mobile phone usage whilst driving is unacceptable
The ‘No Mobile at the Wheel campaign’ is in line with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s ‘Safe and Social Roads’ policy which aims to ensure all road users can move around the county with as much ease and convenience as possible, knowing also that police will address local road safety concerns and enforce the law when necessary.
Nigel Lloyd-Jones, Priority Lead for Safe and Social Roads said: “We appreciate the support of businesses in highlighting this issue to their drivers and their employees in their health and safety policies and operational practices.
“Many companies are very responsible about ensuring their drivers do not use their phones whilst driving so this campaign is about reminding both drivers and their employers of the importance of this.
“Any form of mobile phone usage whilst driving is unacceptable to the majority of people. A vital aspect of this campaign is to make it clear to the minority that this is a dangerous practice.
“If you cannot resist the temptation, having an alternative strategy such as putting the device in the glove compartment, or having an app that blocks calls whilst driving could save a life”.
Drivers using a phone are four times more likely to crash
The use of a mobile phone whilst driving is among the most common causes of road deaths and injury along with speeding, not wearing a seat belt and drink/drug driving. Drivers using a phone, handheld or hands free, are four times more likely to be involved in a collision, far less likely to notice and react to hazards, more likely to show poor lane discipline and make more variable speed choices.
Using a phone as a Satnav or to listen to music are further distractions while streaming whilst driving of filming a video for use on social media is als on the increase. The advice from the police is simple – put it in the glove box.
Superintendent Paul Keasey said: “I recognise that mobile phones are an important part of everyone’s lives and provide an important medium for people to stay in touch, especially during these exceptional times. However, it is vitally important that motorists use them safely and are not distracted by them whilst driving.
“Officers from our Roads Policing Unit, Special Constabulary, Local Policing Teams and Camera Monitoring Unit will be placing additional emphasis on monitoring road users and intervening where they see or suspect someone using a mobile phone while driving.
“Our presence and activity will clearly demonstrate our commitment to keeping people safe from harm on the county’s roads – that goes to the very heart of the Constabulary’s mission.
“Many companies with delivery drivers are very responsible about ensuring their drivers do not use their phones whilst driving so this campaign is about reminding both drivers and their employers of the importance of this.”
Further employer’s information and toolkit please available here:
To find out more about the penalties of using your phone whilst driving please available here:
