Lancashire Constabulary is warning drivers of the dangers mobile phones whilst driving as they launch a month-long crackdown, after over 5000 were caught using them while driving last year across the county.
Throughout January, road policing officers across the county will be carrying out enforcement as well as visiting colleges and universities to warn of the dangers of taking a call or texting whilst driving.
“The consequences of driving whilst using a mobile phone can be catastrophic,” says Road Policing Chief Inspector Debbie Howard. “It diverts attention away from the road and increases the chances of being involved in a road traffic collision.
“We take action against those who use mobile phones whilst driving throughout the year but the concentrated activity taking place this month sets out to let motorists know that this behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”
In 2012, 5,052 drivers in Lancashire were caught by police using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Motorists who use a mobile phone whilst driving can receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence or they may be dealt with at court.
The activity comes as part of Operation Pathway, a Force-wide campaign that sees high profile action days on the county’s roads aimed at saving lives and protecting people.