Over 180 Drivers Nabbed for Using Phones Behind the Wheel in Hampshire Crackdown
More than 180 motorists were caught red-handed using their mobile phones while driving during a week-long police blitz across Hampshire. Officers from Roads 1, part of the Joint Operations Unit, stopped 186 drivers last week as part of a nationwide push to clean up dangerous driving. Another nine were flagged for not being in proper control of their vehicles.
Most Offenders Are Men Over 25
Stats reveal that 78% of those stopped were men, with 70% aged over 25. The crackdown led to 90% of drivers receiving fixed penalty notices, 2% getting summonses, and 8% handed verbal warnings.
Phone Use Behind Wheel Dips but Risks Remain
Back in January, before tougher laws kicked in, 220 drivers were caught using their mobiles, alongside six caught for poor control. Since then, police have seen about a 15% drop in mobile phone misuse while driving.
Road Safety Sergeant Issues Stern Warning
“It’s shocking that people still risk their lives and others’ by using phones behind the wheel,” said Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard. “A moment’s distraction causes too many crashes, some fatal.
“Drivers need to take responsibility and resist the temptation. Simply switch your phone off and stash it in the glove box. Let’s not have another avoidable death or injury on our roads. It’s not worth the risk.”
