Suffolk Police Using Mobile Phone Whilst Driving Warning

A warning has been issued by Suffolk Police about using a mobile phone whilst driving.

A warning has been issued by Suffolk Police about using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Figures show that drivers are four times more likely to have a crash when on a mobile phone.

Suffolk Police are supporting a national campaign to crack down on the crime - which will continue into next month. Suffolk Police are supporting a national campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) which aims to raise awareness amongst drivers who choose to use their mobile phone behind the wheel. The campaign started Monday 26th February and will run until Sunday 10th March. You are four times more likely to have a crash when you use a mobile phone whilst driving. As a result, it has been illegal to do so since December 2003. Despite over 20 years of enforcement, drivers continue to put themselves and other road users at risk. The aim of the campaign is to change the behaviour of drivers and highlight the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This does not only refer to those making calls, but also those who may be checking texts and emails or changing a playlist. You will see an increased number of patrols in Suffolk with officers actively focusing on those who continue to choose to use their mobile phones whilst driving. This will involve officers utilising both marked and unmarked vehicles in increased patrols to target these offences. As of March 2017, drivers committing this offence will automatically receive six points on their driving licence as well as a £200 fine. For new drivers (those who have been driving for under two years) this could see them having their licence taken off them. Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, of the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “Mobile phone use whilst driving is one of the ‘Fatal Four’ offences. The fatal four refer to the four leading contributing factors which cause serious and fatal collisions and are the focus for roads policing officers on proactive patrol. “It is also important to recognise that although legal, hands-free use of your mobile phone is not without risk. Any distraction in a vehicle will increase your chance of being involved in a collision. All road users should consider not dividing their attention between their mobile phone and their driving.” Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "It absolutely horrifies me when I see drivers on their phones, but sadly we still see it far too often. "I implore every driver tempted to use their phone whilst behind the wheel please, do not do it. It is against the law and if you are caught you will face a fine and points on your licence but more importantly you could kill or seriously injure someone, or yourself. He added: "I know I have said it before, but the best way to improve safety on our roads is for every driver to remember the fatal four and put your phone out of reach, belt up, watch your speed and don’t drink or take drugs if you are going to drive, that really shouldn’t be so difficult.”