#PhoneFree

This February we’re supporting the National Police Chiefs Council’s (NPCC) campaign to encourage drivers to avoid using their mobile phone whilst driving.

Most drivers don’t use a phone at the wheel, but those that do put themselves, and other road users in danger as they’re 4 times more likely to crash. Here are a few of our tips to make it easier to go #phonefree:

• Put your phone out of reach in a bag or glove box so you won’t be tempted to take a look whilst you’re waiting at the lights, or in traffic.
• Use safe driving mode to mute any calls or texts whilst you’re driving. You can always catch up when you reach your destination.
• If you’re using your phone as a sat nav, don’t be tempted to touch it when you’re driving – pull over where it’s safe and turn your engine off if you need to change your route.

Any kind of phone use can be distracting, taking your eyes off the road, even for a couple of seconds to check a notification or skip songs, can be dangerous as you can’t concentrate on two things at once. Using handsfree systems can be distracting too, so the safest thing to do is avoid using your phone whilst driving and be #phonefree.

Your friends and family won’t mind waiting for a text, call or message if you’re driving. They would rather you got to your destination safely than not at all. If you need to make a call or text, park up somewhere safely and turn the ignition off.

If you’re caught using a phone at the wheel you could receive six points and a £200 fine, and new drivers (within the first two years of holding a full licence) can even have their licence removed by the courts.

The message is simple, help us make Staffordshire’s roads safer by going #PhoneFree.