With casualty numbers growing, we’re supporting the national ‘Life is precious’ campaign and promoting mobile phone safety while driving.

Police in South Yorkshire routinely stop drivers who use their phones while driving, fining them £200 and adding six points to their licence. However, drivers are still taking risks. Why?

Most drivers believe they are ‘above average’ drivers and won’t be affected, according to national surveys. You must consider both your own and others’ hazards when driving and be prepared to act.

Mobile phone use increases your risk of death or serious injury in a car accident by four times. 

South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector of Roads Policing Peter Spratt explains more. He said: “We are living in an era where people are addicted to their mobile phones, but no text, phone call or social media notification is worth the risk to yourself and other road users.

“Using your mobile phone while driving affects your ability of judgement and reduces your hazard reaction time.

“On the road, you have to expect the unexpected – you aren’t in control of what other people are doing, but you can be in control of your own actions. Whatever is on your mobile phone, it can wait.

“Life is precious. Please don’t risk it.”

South Yorkshire has around 800 mobile phone-using drivers in 2023. 520 paid fines and licence points, 201 were prosecuted, and 25 were educated.

The March 2022 law change expanded to include ‘all uses’ of handheld mobile phones while driving, making it simpler to spot violators.

The law now covers illuminating the screen, scrolling, listening to voicemail, and any other handheld device action.

Continuing, Chief Inspector Spratt said, “The law also applies while you’re waiting at traffic lights or queuing in traffic – even if your engine automatically switches itself off.”

“The only time it is legal to use your mobile phone while driving a car is if you are safely parked up, or if it’s an emergency and it’s not safe to stop.”

“To help avoid temptation, put your phone in your glove box, silence notifications or use one of the applications available to block use while driving.”

Latest numbers reveal a 5% increase in serious injuries in county road collisions. About 15 people per week.

Anyone with dash-cam footage of drivers using their mobile phones are encouraged to report it to South Yorkshire Police via their online portal so that they can make the roads safer. Most people understand the consequences and are against phone use whilst driving.