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Don’t drive and socialise is the message coming from the Police this week as they launch a campaign to crack down on drivers using mobile phones.
The campaign will run from 1-7 March 2017 and involve both the States and the Honorary police.
Last year saw an 18.72% increase in the number of islanders prosecuted for using their mobiles whilst behind the wheel. 444 drivers were prosecuted in 2016, up from 374 in 2015.
Inspector Tim Barnes said: “There is no excuse for using your mobile whilst driving, everyone knows it is illegal even if it’s just in your hand, if the vehicle is in motion you are breaking the law. It does not matter whether you are making call, answering a text or using social media, the offence will still be committed and if caught you face a fine of up to £1,000.”
“It’s been an offence for several years and it’s disappointing that a significant number of drivers still use their handheld mobile devices behind the wheel. Wanting to stay connected on social media or to answer that ‘important call or text’ does not give any driver the right to put others in danger. Our roads are a shared space, there is enough going on without the distraction of a phone and we all have a responsibility to ensure each other is safe.”
The States Police, Honorary Police and the Jersey Road Safety Panel will be conducting a number of road checks during the week, as well as raising awareness of how dangerous using a mobile phone whilst driving is.
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