Get off the phone!

May 28 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT’S been said before, but has to be said again. Why, oh why, do so many of us persist in using the mobile phone while we’re driving?

Today’s news that more than 100 drivers were spotted using handheld mobiles on one of Huddersfield’s major roads is a sad sign that a relatively new law still has a long way to go before it is respected.

And an indictment of those who are so cavalier about safety on the roads.

For once, the authorities do not overstate the dangers – using mobile phones contributes to traffic accidents.

If the weather is bad and the roads are wet, the effect is large.

There is no excuse for it. The traffic is so horrendous these days that you need to keep your eyes – and wits – on the road.

It is the height of irresponsibility and it puts others at risk.

Let’s hope that the zero tolerance campaign operated by Huddersfield police next week not only nabs offenders, but also reinforces the message.

And if a £60 fine plus three points is not enough then maybe it is time to make it heavier.

All this may sound like your mum wagging her finger.

But sometimes your mum is absolutely right.