MAG has endorsed the IAM Roadsmart campaign highlighting the dangers of using a mobile phone illegally when driving a vehicle.
Steve Mallett, who has been leading MAG’s campaign to reduce illegal driving and dialing has added his personal support for IAM Roadsmart’s statement: ‘They have correctly pointed out that using a hand-held mobile phone while on the move is a fatal distraction and we welcome the increased penalty for those who decide to ignore the risks.’
From now on, those who are found guilty of using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will be fined £200 and receive six points on their licence – twice the penalty that used to apply. IAM Roadsmart reminded the public of the case in November 2016 when lorry driver Tomasz Kroker was jailed for ten years after an accident he caused killed a family of four in a crash. He was looking for music on his smartphone at the time of the crash. The organisation’s research indicates that almost nine out of 10 people felt UK motorists thought distraction caused by mobile phones had become worse in the last three years.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, said: ‘Addressing the growing problem of smartphone use whilst driving will require a combination of enforcement and education as well as drivers, passengers, companies and individuals taking more responsibility.’ Steve Mallett agrees: ‘We may be able to pool our resources on this. A lot of people are sick of other drivers making the roads more dangerous just because they can’t wait to legally dial up their friends or family. The law’s the law on this one, and it makes a lot of road sense because an illegal call can easily become a careless kill.‘
Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org