Motorists in Buckinghamshire are being reminded that using mobile phones while driving risks ‘catastrophic consequences,’ ahead of new laws soon to come into force.
In the next few months legislation will tighten for motorists using their handsets, extending the ban on their use to taking photos and videos, playing games and scrolling through music playlists.
Anyone caught using a hand-held device while driving for any of these reasons will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
In addition, The Highway Code will also become more precise about the fact that it is also illegal to use a phone whilst stationary in traffic or stopped at traffic lights, as being stationary in a car counts as 'driving'.
Research has shown that using your mobile phone whilst driving means you're four times more likely to crash. Drivers distracted by their phone also have trouble staying in their own lane and managing their speed.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, said: "Using a mobile phone whilst driving is an incredibly dangerous thing to do and puts so many people at risk. People think that if they're stopped in traffic, it's okay to send a quick text, but that's not the case – you can still be prosecuted.
"Please set up your satnav or music before you head off on your journey and put your phone out of reach to avoid temptation. Sending a quick text, taking a quick photo... it is just not worth the risk.
"All it takes is a quick glance away from the road, down at your phone, for you to break the law and worse still, risk catastrophic consequences, to you, your passengers and the public."
To find out more about the new legislation, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/any-use-of-hand-held-mobile-phone-while-driving-to-become-illegal
Here's a short documentary by filmmaker Werner Herzog on the dangers of using your mobile phone while driving:
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