Wrong signal

THE reason that the majority of motorists heed appeals not to drink and drive is because the police have been relentless in their pursuit of offenders, particularly at Christmas. As well as being dangerous, this practice – commonplace a generation ago – is now socially unacceptable.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Dec 2011, 09:58 BST

The same zero tolerance now needs to be shown to those motorists who still use hand-held mobile phones while driving. Again, they show no regard for the safety of others – but the reason they are prepared to risk stiffer fines is because the police do not appear to prioritise this offence.

This must change. Twenty years ago, drivers did not need mobile phones while in their vehicle. What has changed? And, furthermore, the police’s apparent ambivalence means that there is a hard core group of road users who now believe it is acceptable to send and receive text messages while behind the wheel.

Given the depressing nature of the data published today, it is vital that police forces ensure that the proper enforcement of road safety laws does not become a victim of the spending cuts. Lives depend on irresponsible drivers being brought to justice.