Shocking footage shows drivers blatantly flouting rules and using a mobile phone whilst driving - an offence for which more than 900 bans or penalty points were dished out last year alone.
Northumbria Police have released almost two minutes of film in which motorists have been caught texting or taking phone calls behind the wheel, putting their own, and others’, lives at risk.
Each of the irresponsible motorists have since been dealt with either at court or by way of fixed penalty notices – and police are today urging distracted drivers to heed their advice. Some 933 motorists felt the wrath of the force for mobile phone offences in 2022.
Read more: Newcastle private school teacher struck off for 'producing child sex images'
Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police, said: “It might seem like a small thing, just momentarily picking up your phone to read a quick text or to give somebody a call – but we’ve seen so often that these decisions can have devastating consequences
“Every single year, we investigate dozens of serious or fatal road traffic collisions and a difficult job, informing a family that their loved one has died on our roads. But that pain they feel is exasperated when they learn it’s as a result of a mobile phone.”
It comes as the force steps up efforts to deter drivers as part of a national road safety campaign coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), which starts this Sunday.
The campaign will see Northumbria’s dedicated motor patrols and Operation Dragoon teams increase patrols across the region’s roads – and take action against anybody found to be using a mobile phone while driving.
“All year round, we give educational inputs to drivers of all ages explaining how a split-second mistake, taking your eye off the road for that one moment, can cause heartbreak and destroy lives,” said Sgt Robson.
“That’s why we’re proud to be supporting the NPCC’s campaign, starting this weekend, which will see increased patrols across all our roads by officers in marked and unmarked vehicles.
“If we see you using your mobile phone, we will take action. You face potentially losing your licence – but what is even worse is that you’ve already rolled the dice with people’s lives.
“We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as they possibly can be. When you're getting in your car, do not put others at risk - keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.”
Northumbria Police issued more than 600 fixed penalty notices to motorists who had been caught using a mobile phone while driving during 2020 and 2021.
Sarah Schofield, education and engagement manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We work closely with the police and our other key partners to raise awareness about the importance of road safety. Our firefighters attend hundreds of collisions each year to assist those casualties who require being cut from their vehicles.
“Not all of those individuals will survive and that is why we are so passionate about trying to make sure people behave responsibly behind the wheel.
“The message today is powerful and incredibly important. Once glance at your phone while you’re driving could be deadly. Please think of your loved ones and don’t take that risk.”
Read next
Vile Northumberland sex attacker jailed for harrowing assault on teenage victim
Newcastle social club fined £25,000 for illegally screening Premier League matches
Police spend three days searching after taping off wooded area in Benwell
Durham murder trial: 'It's a complete blur', murder accused says he 'blocked out' killing
Drugs gang supplier and courier jailed for their part in major class A drugs conspiracy
