Don’t drive and dial, warn police

Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnerships are working together to promote the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving or riding.

Figures show that using a mobile phone makes drivers and riders four times more likely to be involved in a collision.

Since 2007 it has been illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving, and can result in a £60 fine and three penalty points. But drivers may also be given the chance to attend an educational session with road safety officers and community fire safety officers instead.

Chief Inspector Jane Aspin, chairman of the Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Coordination Group, said: “We are working with our partners to ensure that drivers are educated about the issues that using a mobile phone whilst driving can have, which will hopefully reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Bedfordshire’s roads.

“Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50 per cent slower than normal driving. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.”

Information about using a mobile phone whilst driving can be found at www.drivesafely.org