Mobiles: #StandingUpForHangingUp

 

#StandingUpForHangingUp

As part of our effort to make roads in Essex the safest they can be, we are launching a campaign to remind drivers that using a mobile phone whilst driving is both illegal and dangerous and could have fatal consequences.

#StandingUpForHangingUp aims to educate drivers and enforce the law on this matter.

Starting today, Monday 7 February, we will be targeting drivers who use their mobile phones or get distracted by them while driving.

Inspector Matt Crow, Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Most people support us and adhere to the law by not using their mobiles whilst in their car.
“But there are a few who believe that they can multi-task and drive safely whilst scrolling through their phone, texting or checking for messages.
“It’s just not true.
“Impaired driving can be a result of anything that distracts you, and anyone not concentrating on the road could become involved in a collision.
“We are #StandingUpForHangingUp and want everyone to join us.”

It’s clear that throughout the country, mobile phone use by drivers is a concern for all road users. In the last five years, mobile phone use has been the top driver concern in the RAC Report on Motoring for four of the last five years.

Safety on the roads in Essex is a concern for everyone, not just officers.

Roads Policing Unit Inspector Timothy Swain, wants to encourage all drivers to prevent poor and dangerous driving by adhering to a few simple tips.

“Resist temptation.
“Have the confidence to refuse to take or make calls while driving because, whether using a hand-held phone or hands-free, the risk of a collision increases fourfold.

“Put your phone out of sight, keep it in a pocket or bag where you can’t reach it, or switch it off.

“That call can wait, but if it can’t, pull over to the side of the road if it is safe to do so and have your conversation there.”

If you witness someone using their mobile phone whilst driving and capture it on dash cam, you can upload the footage to the Extra Eyes website.

We will review it and take appropriate action.

#StandingUpForHangingUp