Don’t Get Distracted
In our fast-paced world, staying connected feels more important than ever, but it should never come at the cost of safety. Using your mobile phone or wearing headphones while driving, cycling, or even walking can distract you from your surroundings, putting not only your safety at risk but also that of others.
Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, navigating the road requires your full attention. Let’s commit to keeping mobile devices out of reach, removing distractions, and focusing on the journey ahead. Join us in promoting safer habits to ensure that every journey is a safe one.
Drivers and Riders
- Using your mobile phone while driving or riding diverts your eyes, hands, and attention from the road, endangering your safety and that of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users
- Headphones or earphones can block critical sounds, such as sirens, horns, or nearby vehicles, which are essential for avoiding collisions
- Keep mobile devices and headphones out of reach, and prioritise full attention on driving or riding to ensure safe journeys
Cyclists
- Cyclists are highly vulnerable on the road, and mobile phone use disrupts balance and distracts from traffic, road conditions, and other road users
- Wearing headphones or earphones reduces the ability to hear essential sounds, such as car horns or warnings from other cyclists
- To stay safe, cyclists should avoid mobile phones and headphones while riding or use only one earphone if necessary
Pedestrians
- Using a mobile phone while walking, especially near roads or when crossing streets, reduces situational awareness and reaction times
- Headphones or earphones limit the ability to hear traffic, warning signals, or cyclists, increasing the risk of collisions
- Stay vigilant by avoiding distractions such as texts, social media, or music, as maintaining undivided attention is crucial for safely navigating the road network and preventing collisions. If you must use earphones, choose ones that allow external sounds to come through or wear only one earphone to stay aware of your surroundings
Fines
The States of Jersey Police are actively focusing on enforcement, with officers dedicating significant time and effort to catching and prosecuting those using mobile phones while driving.
Fines issued at a Parish Hall Inquiry can reach up to £200, while the Magistrates’ Court can impose fines as high as £1,000.
Awareness of the Dangers
Mobile phone use while driving is more than just a bad habit, it’s a dangerous choice with real consequences. These short awareness videos highlight the risks and realities of distracted driving, showing how even a moment of inattention can lead to life-changing outcomes.
Additionally, we’ve included several impactful pictures designed to raise awareness of this critical issue. Feel free to share them and help spread the message.
