West Midlands Police catch 115 distracted drivers using mobiles at the wheel
They were caught during a two-week operation
During a two-week operation, a "staggering" 115 motorists were caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
We caught one particularly reckless motorist in Coventry using a banking app while driving.
Police say out of the 115, the majority – 70 drivers – were seen making phone calls or texting.
That's despite studies showing a driver’s reaction time is a third slower if texting compared to a drink driver.
Research has also found motorists who use their mobile phone while driving are four times more likely to crash.
During the two-week crackdown from February 8 to 21, West Midlands Police officers patrolling the motorway network recorded 20 offences using the Op Tramline HGV cab, an unmarked specially-adapted HGV which gives our cops a clear view of all road users.
Those caught breaking the law were given penalty points and a fine or reported for summons.
Verbal warnings were also issued to highlight the dangers and educate motorists.
Sgt Jon Butler, from WMP’s Road Harm Prevention Team, said:
“If you’re travelling for essential reasons then ensure you keep your hands on the wheel and off the phone. Using a mobile while driving can have devastating consequences to both the driver and other road users.
“It may take only a few seconds to glance at your phone and open an app but that’s all it takes for a potentially fatal or life changing collision to unfold. Distractions can be deadly, don’t put lives at risk, put your phone away while driving.”
Members of the public are encouraged to submit dash-cam footage illustrating such illegal behaviour here.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.