Launch of the All-Wales Anti-MobilePhone Driving Campaign 2013

The four police forces in Wales, led by South Wales Police in partnership with Road Safety Wales, have launched the annual All-Wales Anti-MobilePhone Driving Campaign which will run throughout October.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis of South Wales Police, the force is heading the all-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone Driving Campaign 2013.

Despite the law change in February 2007 where using a mobilephone while driving can result in three penalty points and a £100 fine, drivers in Wales are still persisting with this dangerous activity and breaking the law.

Nearly 1,000 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while at the wheel during the 2012 campaign.

Police patrols to target mobilephone driving will increase across Welsh roads for the duration of the enforcement campaign, which runs from 15th October to 31st October, to promote the safety message and raise awareness of the dangers and penalties among motorists.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis of South Wales Police, said: “The consequences of a lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating to road users and pedestrians. 

“As soon as a driver answers a call, looks at their phone to text or read a message, their concentration is affected and as a result, they cannot give their full attention to the road and risk becoming involved in a collision.

“With the increased use of smart phones, drivers must be aware that it is not just making a call or texting that are distractions, but using a phone to access applications, e-mails or the internet. These actions carry the same danger and the same penalty.

“Always remember to switch your phone off before you drive. You can pick up any missed calls or texts when it is safe and convenient to do so. If you need to use the phone when driving, then stop at the first safe opportunity.”

Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, added: “Road Safety Wales partners are supporting our police colleagues throughout this campaign by publicising the dangers of using a mobile device while driving.

“We will continue to raise awareness of this issue and work closely with our colleagues in future campaigns.

“Unfortunately many people still consider it normal to use their mobilephone whilst driving, putting themselves, their passengers and other innocent road users in potentially serious danger.

“We need to send a strong message not to use any mobile phones whilst driving because of the distraction they cause.”