People using phones while driving 'still a problem', despite drop in offences in Lincolnshire
MOTORISTS who use their phone while driving continue to be a dangerous problem on the roads say police, despite figures showing a reduction in offences.
The number of people caught in the Skegness and Mablethorpe area has reduced dramatically in recent years according to figures released to the Target under the Freedom of Information Act.
-
In 2008, 222 people were issued with a £60 fine and three penalty points for the offence but in 2009 this dropped to just 99. More recently, there were 81 recorded offences in 2010 and in 2011 there were 57.
But Inspector Nigel Key, from the county's Roads Policing Unit, believes the reduction is as a result of motorists being aware of the offence and is not due to a change in behaviour.
Insp Key said: "In my opinion, mobile phone usage by drivers is as much a problem now as its ever been and infuriates law abiding drivers who see people so obviously flouting the law and putting themselves and other road users in danger.
"The main difference between 2008 and now is that due to media campaigns, drivers are well aware that if they are spotted using a phone, they will be issued with a fixed penalty ticket.
"What this means in reality is that drivers, as soon as they see a marked police car, drop the phone from their ear and then resume the conversation when the police vehicle is out of sight - for this reason, the figures referred to do not give an accurate picture of the scale of the problem faced."
Lincolnshire Police say their most effective method of enforcement is to use unmarked cars and motorcycles which prove effective at catching offenders.
Mobile phone usage, along with drink and drug driving, speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt are the four most common causes of fatal or life changing collisions.
Mr Key added: "It has long since been proved that using the phone whilst driving, reduces the level of conscious thought that goes into driving in fact any device that distracts from driving causes massive safety issues.
"Additionally, more and more people access social media sites on their mobile phones – and we know from seizures of phone at collisions, that alarmingly, some do this whilst driving."
14 Comments
View all
by XNY556
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 10:27AM
“When I was renewing my car insurance in a local brokers I heard one guy say that his premiums had been increased by about 50% as a result of a mobile phone use conviction - this is the sort of thing that will focus peoples minds?”
by bigyellabelly
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 8:15AM
“Steve makes a valid point about pedestrians lack of concentrations, I agree...this proves just how dangerous it is when driving. What on earth can be that important that you behave in that manner in the street or worse behind the wheel? Can one of the 'supporters' tell me why they think texting/phoning whilst driving is OK?”
by ColinLincs
Friday, February 17 2012, 5:50AM
“It appears from all the negative ratings that the majority are in favour of people using mobile phones while driving. So sad. This problem with phones isn't confined to Lincolnshire. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) last week I saw lots of motor cyclists texting whilst driving. The record one one bike with mother, father and two kids on board, the father busily texting while weaving through the traffic, which makes London roads look like a rural backwater!”
by Steve_Lincoln
Thursday, February 16 2012, 11:00PM
“Lets also make it illegal for pedestrians to use mobile phones whilst walking, with big fines and confiscation of equipment. I'm fed up with the number I have to dodge as they wander across the roads oblivious to anyone else whilst yacking away.”
by Steve_Lincoln
Thursday, February 16 2012, 10:59PM
“Lets also make it illegal for pedestrians to use mobile phones whilst walking, with big fines and confiscation of equipment. I'm fed up with the number I have to dodge as they wander across the roads oblivious to anyone else whilst yacking away.”
by moocher1
Thursday, February 16 2012, 6:56PM
“Driving about in my lorry all day i see people holding phones up to their ear all the time but the main time is during the school run, mothers with kids in the cars!! There's no excuse with all the handsfree technology about these days”
by saddletramp2
Thursday, February 16 2012, 6:21PM
“The person i witnessed on the phone while driving was a Air Ambulance Charity collection van driver and who should know better than him ? Unbelievable”
by lynnlincoln
Thursday, February 16 2012, 4:53PM
“Whilst out walking the other day I witnessed a lady driver with mobile in one hand (to ear) and gesticulating with the other hand, no hands on the steering wheel and young children in the rear seats, utter madness. What the hell is so important that it can't wait a minute or two? Before mobiles we had to wait until the nearest phone box popped up and we had a pocket full of change or reverse the charges.”
by MrGRH
Thursday, February 16 2012, 3:26PM
“I do agree with the other people on here a much stiffer punishment is needed but Sadly no matter what fine and punishment is dished out there will always be the odd pathetic selfish idiot still commit this offence.”
by bigbarry1
Thursday, February 16 2012, 2:57PM
“A gentleman in a yellow transit van gave no signals whilst turning two corner coming into Saxilby this am 16 th and was using his mobile phone. Fine these INCONSIDERATE FOOLS £1000 before they kill someone!!!”