Number of drivers using mobile phones 'alarming'

Date: 9/9/2010

Concerns about the number of people using mobile handsets while driving have been raised by a Bradford councillor.

The Telegraph and Argus reported an average of one driver every four minutes was found using a phone behind the wheel during a survey recently carried out by the newspaper in Bradford city centre.

Ghazanfer Khaliq, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability at Bradford Council, said he is alarmed by the results.

He urged people not to use mobile phones while on the road, because doing so puts both themselves and others at risk.

"Motorists need to be aware how dangerous it is when you are not concentrating 100 per cent on your driving," commented Mr Khaliq.

The research was conducted days after the West Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership launched a Distraction Devastates campaign to highlight the dangers of a lack of concentration.

And according to the Slough and Langley Observer, Keith Beasley, Road Safety Officer for Slough Borough Council, recently warned road users that losing focus even momentarily while driving could be fatal.

Posted by Mary Treen