Police warn Hemel Hempstead motorists not to use mobile phones while driving

Police are warning drivers Hertfordshire motorists not to use their mobile phones while driving.

Using a mobile phone while driving is a leading cause of collisions and many of those result in serious injury or death.

Last year, over a quarter of all collisions in Beds, Cambs and Herts involving use of a mobile phone while driving ended in fatality or serious injury.

For this reason, Hertfordshire Police is urging all motorists to put their mobile phones away and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Chief Inspector Stephen O’Keeffe, head of the roads policing unit, said: “You might think glancing down at your phone is okay, but not looking where you are driving is incredibly dangerous.

"At that moment, you are not aware of what is happening around you. It only takes a second for circumstances to change and for you to be involved in a collision, either with another road user or a pedestrian.

“At a time when emergency services are under unprecedented strain, we must do everything in our power to look after ourselves and those around us. That includes not putting lives at risk by driving dangerously.”

Inspector Louise Bates from Beds Police added: “Too many people think that quickly checking their phone while driving is just a minor thing that won’t cause any harm.

“However, we know from our work as police officers who attend collisions just how high the risk is. Many of the collisions involving mobile phone use result in serious injuries or even deaths.

“We would urge everyone to think about the potential consequences of their actions and put their phone away while at the wheel.”

It is recommended that drivers put their phones on silent or better still, turn them off, and place them in the glove compartment before setting off.

Chief Inspector Simon Tabert said: “There is no excuse for using your phone whilst driving.

"Even just taking your eyes off the road for a split second, for something as trivial as changing a song or switching radio stations, could have life-changing consequences – not just for you, but for other innocent road users or pedestrians too. It is never, ever worth the risk.”

Motorists who use their phone while driving face a minimum £200 fine and six points on their license. These figures can be much higher if a case goes to court.

Offenders who passed their test within two years will be automatically disqualified from driving and will need to take their DVLA test again.