Don’t be distracted, just drive. That’s the message from Herts Road Policing in support of a national police campaign targeting those who use a mobile phone while driving.
The call comes after it was revealed that over 700 people in Herts were caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel in 2018.
Offenders were mainly in the 27-41 age bracket.
Sgt Ian Manley from the BCH RPU said: “There are serious and sometimes fatal consequences of using your phone whilst behind the wheel. I would ask all drivers to consider, is it really worth it? The answer is of course no so please turn your phone off, on do not disturb or put it where you won’t be distracted by it or be tempted to pick it up.”
Sgt Manley continued: “You are putting yourselves and other road users in serious danger if you use a mobile whilst driving. It takes just moments for a collision to occur if you are distracted so don’t be, just drive.”
If you’re caught using a hand-held device whilst driving or riding you will get an automatic Fixed Penalty Notice which means six points on your licence and a fine of £200.
Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).
If you passed your driving test in the last two years, you’ll lose your licence.
In some circumstances, for example if use of a phone has caused or contributed to an accident, the Police may prosecute for driving without due care or dangerous driving in order to secure a more severe punishment.
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