MOTORISTS who became distracted behind the wheel caused almost 40 road traffic collisions in the Isle of Man last year.

To combat this a new campaign has been launched to urge motorists to stop using hand held mobile phones while driving.

The Department of Infrastructure and Isle of Man Constabulary are working together to highlight that anyone prosecuted for the offence could incur a fine of up to £1,000.

Gordon Edwards, the road safety manager for Infrastructure, said: "In 2011 being distracted behind the wheel caused 39 road traffic accidents in the Isle of Man.    

"It is important for motorists to remember that it is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone while driving - whether making a call or texting."

Motorists have been urged to divert calls to voicemail while driving or to use a Bluetooth hands free device.

Mr Edwards continued: "All too often people use the excuse 'I only answered it to say I was driving' - this is still breaking the law. If the call is important they’ll leave a message or call back.

"Even in stationary traffic such as queuing at traffic lights you're still committing an offence using a hand-held phone."

Inspector Terry Stephen of the Roads Policing Unit added: "Motorists who use mobile phones whilst driving risk causing or being involved in a collision and we are running an operation to highlight the risks and also report offenders.

"Don't risk causing an accident or being prosecuted. Make sure you are 'hands free' or stop in a safe position if you absolutely have to answer a call."  

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney added: "We all see examples on a daily basis of persons driving whilst using a mobile phone. 
 
"Our message here is that this is not a safe thing to do and we seek the public's cooperation in that. If they do not I certainly support the police enforcement action."

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