HAMPSHIRE Police say they will launch a crackdown on motorists using their mobile phones while driving as part of a national enforcement campaign.

Road Policing Officers from the Joint Operations Unit say they will be take part in the week-long initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.

The authority say that 15 per cent of all fatal collisions in Hampshire are as a result of drivers distracted by mobile phones.

However they claim that despite the warnings, drivers are still taking the risk.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety Sergeant, Rob Heard, said: “This week’s campaign is to highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving or driving whilst distracted.

“The majority of people know they should not be using their phone whilst driving, but don't seem to understand what a huge distraction it can be and take the risk.

“By using your phone you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and your reaction times can be around 50 per cent slower.

“You are far less aware of what's happening on the road and often fail to see or react to road signs and signals.

“Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks either. The problems are caused mainly by mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.

“My advice is to turn your phone off whilst driving, put it out of reach, and out of view. This way you won't be tempted to look at it and become distracted. It's not worth the risk.”

The authority undertook a similar campaign in September 2015, catching 160 drivers across the county.

In 2015 a total of 5,540 people were caught in Hampshire using their mobile phone at the wheel.

Advice from Hampshire Constabulary

The Facts

  • You’re four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving
  • Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% 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

The Law

  • It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices.
  • The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
  • It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.

When you can use a phone in your vehicle

  • If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you:
  • Need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
  • Are safely parked Using hands-free devices when driving
  • You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and 2-way radios when you’re driving or riding.
  • But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.

Penalties for using your phone while driving 

  • You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding.
  • You’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100.
  • Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000.
  • Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.