Driving Home Dangers Of Phoning

A Stormont politician has praised a local initiative that aims to 'cut-off' rogue drivers who insist on using mobile phones when behind the wheel.

Ulster Unionist MLA Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership's new campaign, in conjunction with the PSNI, which carries a serious message about the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving.

The East Antrim representative stated: "Every day on our roads I see people using their mobiles whilst driving.

"From young girls with the phone to their ear through to van drivers texting as they enter a junction, I never fail to be amazed at the short-sightedness of those who endanger themselves and other road users.

"Police figures state that texting behind the wheel impairs a driver more than being drunk and I would hope that drivers in Northern Ireland have already taken on board the consequences of drink driving," he said, this week.

"The harsh reality is that those people who are caught texting or using a mobile for calls without a hands free kit will receive three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.

"Beyond this, motoring convictions will raise the cost of car insurance so that there are further financial implications," he continued.

"However, the real incentive in concentrating on the road and not being distracted is reducing the death rates on our roads.

"Driving responsibly ensures that mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives are not killed or injured and that families don't have to deal with the trauma of a road traffic accident.

"As we enter the autumn period with decreasing visibility it is vitally important that we keep our eyes on the road, not on our phones," the popular East Antrim MLA concluded.

(BMcC/GK)