MORE THAN 35,000 people have been given penalty points for holding a mobile phone while driving, since the activity was made an offence in September 2006.
That is according to the Road Safety Authority which has launched a campaign to remind drivers that they are four times more likely to have a crash – putting themselves and other road users at risk of injury or death – if they are using a hand-held phone while driving.
The authority also reminds drivers they face up to four penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000 for the offence.
Noel Brett, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, said yesterday: “Using a mobile phone while driving distracts the driver, impairs their control of the vehicle and reduces their awareness of what is happening around them.”
Mr Brett was supported by corporate affairs manager of the AA Conor Faughnan. “There is no doubt that in Ireland we are a nation of mobile phone junkies,” Mr Faughnan said. “We simply have to get out of the all-too-easy habit of using the phone while driving. We all know intuitively that it is dangerous and now we have the data to prove it.”
The driving awareness campaign involves radio and press advertising and the publication of a leaflet Mobile Phones and Driving, which can be downloaded from the authority’s website on www.rsa.ie
The leaflet advises motorists to switch off their phones or put them on silent before driving off. It also advises motorists to stop before checking voicemail and to avoid calling people when they are driving.
