Star comment: No excuse for drivers on phones

Instead of popping their handsets into their glove compartments, drivers are continuing to use the devices despite the tougher sanctions that came into effect earlier this year.

More than 100 were caught in West Mercia in the four weeks after these new punishments came into effect. And that picture was replicated around the UK as more than 200 drivers a day were nabbed – one every seven minutes.

Higher fines and six penalty points do not yet seem to have been an effective deterrent.

The picture is one that many drivers in Shropshire and Mid-Wales will be familiar with. Most people will recognise the problems – on daily journeys they will witness a number of drivers whose phones are glued to their ears.

Such behaviour is neither necessary nor excusable. There is no need for motorists to be checking their phones while driving.

Data shows that accidents are more likely when drivers are distracted – and there are few greater distractions than glancing at a phone to check that text message, social media alert or whatever else has made your device buzz noisily.

In any case, many newer vehicles are now fitted with Bluetooth, enabling people to make hands-free calls where necessary.

It is disturbing that so many motorists have failed to heed the call to avoid using mobiles when they’re behind the wheel. The devastating and tragic consequences have been demonstrated too many times. What is more encouraging is the level of enforcement from police, who are taking the issue seriously. And inevitably, there will be a change in behaviour over time.

Those with long enough memories will recall the introduction of vehicular legislation that has changed drivers’ habits. From using seat belts to using rear seat belts, from drink-driving to drug-driving, police have faced huge challenges as they’ve sought to improve driver behaviour.

Actions that were once considered acceptable have taken time to stamp out as a new broom has swept in. For some years, people viewed mobile phone use as acceptable while driving. But this will change. It is to be hoped it does soon and that in the meantime there are no more victims of distracted drivers on our roads.