Don’t Get Distracted
In our fast-paced world, staying connected is more crucial than ever, but not at the risk of safety. Using your mobile phone while driving distracts you from the road, compromising not only your own safety but also that of others. Driving demands attention—let’s keep our mobile devices out of reach and our eyes on the road. Join us in promoting safer driving habits and ensuring that every journey is a safe one.
When Driving, Cycling, Walking or Running Don’t Get Distracted!
The States of Jersey Police are of course focusing on enforcement and Officers are dedicating time and effort to catching and prosecuting those using a mobile phone whilst driving. Fines at a Parish Hall can be as high as £200 and the Magistrates’ can hand out fines as high as £1000.
In 2016 444 drivers in Jersey were prosecuted for using their mobile phone while driving, up from 374 in 2015.
The number of people driving while using their mobile devices to talk, text and check social media has reached concerning levels.
Research consistently shows that using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous, increasing the likelihood of an accident by four times. Please either switch your phone off or put it on silent and place it out of sight and reach when driving to keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe.
Additionally, there is growing concern about pedestrians using their phones while crossing the road, often with just a cursory glance or without checking for traffic at all. Many people also use headphones to listen to music, which can be a significant distraction. It is strongly recommended that people avoid using headphones when walking or jogging to remain fully aware of their surroundings.
There is also an increase in cyclists using phones to text, talk, or listen to music while cycling. This behaviour is highly discouraged, as it can severely impair cycling skills and place the cyclist in significant danger.
If you think someone is driving when you call them, put the phone down.
