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16 drivers in Central Scotland caught out on mobile phones
Friday, 26th February 2010
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Motorists are still failing to recognise the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving
Despite safety warnings, motorists across Scotland are still failing to recognise the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving.
The ‘Mobile Phone day of Action’ led by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) ran over a 24-hour period on the 25th February 2010 and involved all eight of the country’s police forces.
Held around the fourth anniversary of the offence being categorised as endorsable, the campaign is designed to raise the motorist’s awareness of the dangers using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Research has shown that reaction times are significantly impaired if driving and phoning simultaneously. Even when using a hands-free device, concentration levels can be detrimentally affected. Compelling evidence shows that drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a road crash.
Despite this, during this year’s day of action, a total of 180 motorists breached the law in relation to the use of mobile phones which is an increase on last year’s day of action which saw 171 motorists caught.
A total of 16 drivers in Central Scotland were caught. This compared to 28 over the same day last year. Chief Inspector Donald McMillan, head of road policing, said: "The fact that 16 motorists were caught out in one day is concerning. As a snapshot it indicates that motorists are out there ignoring the fact that using a mobile phone handset whilst driving could lead to a serious injury or loss of life through the increased chance of being involved in a road traffic collision. Central Scotland Police will continue to vigorously target those motorists who are flouting this law with the aim being to prevent injury and deaths on our roads."
Every driver who uses their phone whilst driving is risking their own life and the lives of others. In the Lothian and Borders area a 39 year old HGV driver was caught reading a text message whilst driving through central Edinburgh. In Strathclyde a driver who already had 9 points on his license was reported for using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Superintendent Charlie Common from Lothian and Borders Police who is the ACPOS lead on Casualty Reduction said:
“The number of motorists who continue to use their mobile phone whilst driving is extremely disappointing. With evidence that using a phone distracts the driver and reduces their control of the vehicle, these results could have had serious consequences.
“Knowing first hand the devastation which road traffic accidents have on families, we are committed to stopping those motorists who continue to ignore the safety warnings and risk their life and the lives of others. My message is clear; there is no phone call that is worth risking a life for.”
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