South Yorkshire motorists warned over mobile phone use

A police spokesperson said drivers could not control what other people did, but they could be in control of their own actions

A campaign to reduce deaths on the road is highlighting the dangers of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

It has been illegal in the UK to use a handheld phone at the wheel since 2003.

The campaign, backed by South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP), is urging motorists to give their "full attention" to driving.

Ch Insp Peter Spratt, said people were "addicted" to their screens which could "cost lives".

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said in 2023 more than 800 drivers in the county were caught using a mobile phone while driving.

Of those, 520 paid a fine and had points added to their licence, 201 were prosecuted and 25 attended an educational course, they added.

The SYRSP warned: "You can't focus on the road if you're checking your messages or scrolling through social media"

Phones behind the wheel: The law

• Using a hand-held mobile phone or sat-nav while driving is illegal

• Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you drive

• Police still have the power to stop you if they think you have been distracted

• The law still applies if you have stopped in traffic or are queuing at lights

• You could get penalty points, a fine and/or a driving ban if you break the law

Source: UK government - read more here.

Ch Insp Spratt said: "We know people are addicted to their screens, but the fact is that using your mobile while driving could cost you your life.

"If your eyes or your hands are on your mobile phone, you are less likely to see hazards, you won't be in full control of your vehicle and your reaction time will be affected.

"Whatever is on your mobile phone, it can wait."

'Avoid temptation'

The SYSRP is also backing the three-week Hands On The Wheel campaign.

A spokesperson for the road safety organisation said: "We know the majority of road users in our county do not use their mobile phone while driving and are concerned by the minority who do.

"You may believe you are an above average driver, but the reality is that you can't focus on the road if you're checking your messages or scrolling through social media."

Meanwhile, Ch Insp Peter Spratt, reminded motorists the only time it was legal to use a mobile phone while driving was if they were "safely parked up", or if it was an emergency and was "not safe to stop".

He urged drivers to "avoid temptation" by placing phones in the vehicle's glove box.

He also said motorists should "silence notifications" or use an application to block their use while driving.