NPCC Mobile Phone Campaign: It Can Wait
Posted on Friday 6th March 2020 in All Road Users, Business, Drivers, Motorcyclists, Pedestrians
Using your phone while driving could cost you £200 and six points on your licence.
This is the simple message being issued by Sussex Safer Roads Partnership as they prepare to take part in their next road safety campaign.
Sergeant Stuart Hendey, of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership said: “Despite our repeated messages around road safety, there are still motorists on our roads who continue to undermine the safety of themselves and other road users by using their mobile phone at the wheel. Anyone getting into their vehicle should give the road ahead their full attention, and not be distracted by any devices. We advise storing your phone in the glove compartment, and putting on silent or airplane mode. Distractions such as phone calls, text messages or device notifications takes your attention away from the road, which can significantly reduce your reaction times and your awareness of what is going on around you. There is nothing that is more important on the roads than the safety of yourself and other road users. Put simply, any mobile phone use can wait until after you have safely parked and turned off your engine.”
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership advises road users on simple steps to avoid the temptation to use your phone on the roads:
- The easiest way to not be distracted by using your mobile phone in the car is to switch it off.
- Treat the cabin of your car like you do an aircraft, and put your phone into flight-safe mode before you drive.
- If you have to stay in touch, make sure your phone is paired up to Bluetooth before you start your journey.
- Place the phone in the glovebox or keep it in your pocket, case or handbag, out of sight, with the sound turned off, so you won’t be distracted by the screen lighting up or message alert sounds.
If you witness someone using their phone while driving, you can report it on the Operation Crackdown website: www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.
Full details on the law around using mobile devices while driving can be found on the GOV.UK website: www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law.
