Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), a European Road Safety Charter signatory since February 2007 shares with our website’s readers the news about the dangers of using mobile phones while on motorcycle.

The ‘Mobile Phone day of Action’ led by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) held over a 24-hour period from 25^th to 26th February 2010 and involved all eight of the country’s police forces. The event took place around the fourth anniversary of the offence being categorised as endorsable, the campaign is designed to raise the motorist’s awareness of the dangers using a mobile phone whilst driving.

 

Research has shown that reaction times are significantly impaired if driving and phoning simultaneously. Even when using a hands-free device, concentration levels can be detrimentally affected. Compelling evidence shows that drivers using mobile phones are four times more likely to be involved in a road crash. Despite this, during this year’s day of action, a total of 180 motorists breached the law in relation to the use of mobile phones which is an increase on last year’s day of action which saw 171 motorists caught. 

 

Chief Superintendent Charlie Common from Lothian and Borders Police who is the ACPOS lead on Casualty Reduction said: “The number of motorists who continue to use their mobile phone whilst driving is extremely disappointing. With evidence that using a phone distracts the driver and reduces their control of the vehicle, these results could have had serious consequences. Knowing first hand the devastation which road traffic accidents have on families, we are committed to stopping those motorists who continue to ignore the safety warnings and risk their life and the lives of others. My message is clear; there is no phone call that is worth risking a life for.”