On This Day: Police catch 200 drivers using mobiles

The figures were shared on social media, stating that is nearly 200 times where innocent road users lives have been put at risk.

The police highlighted the dangers associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel, with a tweet stating: "That text, call, refresh of your newsfeed... It's not worth dying for."

Cheshire Police participated in a national crackdown targeting road users who used their mobile phones while driving, which ran until February 21.

This initiative was not only about mobile phone use but also addressed other serious driving offences collectively dubbed the Fatal 5, which included careless driving, speeding, drink or drug driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.

Head of Cheshire's Roads and Crime Unit, Jon Betts, discussed the serious implications of mobile phone use while driving: “National statistics suggest that drivers who use mobile phones behind the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a collision."

He further elaborated on the widespread knowledge of the law against using mobile phones while driving, noting, “The majority, if not all, road users know that it is against the law to use their mobile phone while driving, yet some still decide to do it anyway.

"Many people even try and hide it down by their laps in a bid to avoid being caught."

Betts stressed that there were no valid excuses for such behaviour, underscoring that violators could face serious consequences: “If caught using your mobile phone while driving, you will face the prospect of a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence and, if you’re under 21, you could lose your licence."

He appealed to motorists, advising them to keep their phones out of reach while driving to avoid temptation: “That call/text/post on social media is not worth dying for.”

This article was originally published in the Chester and District Standard on February 16, 2021.