POLICE are asking the public to #StandUpForHangingUp as part of a campaign to highlight the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving.
And they’re asking people concerned about drivers using their mobiles while at the wheel to send them video footage of any incidents.
Inspector Jem Mountford of Warwickshire Police said: “We aren’t just asking people not to put a mobile phone to their ear.
“We are seeing more drivers looking down to use a handheld mobile phone, select music, check emails or texting while driving when they should be focusing on the road ahead.
“We are asking these drivers to consider how their actions could affect themselves and other people.
“Whoever you are texting would not want you to have a collision, potentially injuring yourself or someone else.”
Using a mobile phone whilst driving attracts six points and a £200 fine.
“Put your phone out of sight in a bag or glove box or the boot when you are driving so you don’t get tempted to check it,” added Insp Mountford.
Dr Gemma Briggs, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The Open University said: “If you’re distracted by your phone while driving your driving performance is significantly diminished to the extent that you are four times more likely to crash.
“This applies equally to hands-free phone use as hand-held use, meaning having two hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road isn’t enough if your mind is elsewhere.”
Insp Mountford said: “ We are asking the public to submit any dashcam or GoPro footage they have captured as evidence that could be used to prosecute someone using a phone whilst driving to Operation Snap.”
For more information click https://www.westmercia.police.uk/operationsnap or https://bit.ly/3aAOKmu for Warwickshire Police.
