Police catch more than 100 motorists using their phone while driving
Police caught 115 motorists using their mobile phones behind the wheel during a two-week operation.
Despite the potentially fatal consequences of being distracted while driving, dozens were seen making calls, texting or watching videos illegally rather than concentrating on the road.
Officers even caught one motorist using a banking app while driving.
Out of the 115 caught, the majority – around 70 drivers – were seen making phone calls or texting. Studies show a driver's reaction time is a third slower if texting compared to a drink driver.
Research has also found motorists who use their mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to crash.
During West Midlands Police's two-week crackdown from February 8 to February 21, officers patrolling the region's motorway network recorded 20 offences using the Op Tramline HGV cab – an unmarked specially-adapted HGV which gives police a clear view of all road users.
Those caught breaking the law were given penalty points and a fine, or reported for summons. Police also issued verbal warnings to highlight the dangers.
Sergeant Jon Butler, from West Midlands Police's Road Harm Prevention Team, said: "If you’re travelling for essential reasons then ensure you keep your hands on the wheel and off the phone.
"Using a mobile while driving can have devastating consequences to both the driver and other road users.
“It may take only a few seconds to glance at your phone and open an app but that’s all it takes for a potentially fatal or life changing collision to unfold.
"Distractions can be deadly, don’t put lives at risk, put your phone away while driving.”
