Isle of Man motorists caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving face a fine of up to ?2,500 and four penalty points on their licence.
 
The Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Team has today (Monday 2 February 2015) launched a campaign to highlight the consequences of breaking the law. Billboards will be displayed on a temporary basis at various key locations around the Island, supported by radio messages.
 
The posters warn that using a hand-held mobile while driving is not only illegal, it also puts passengers and other road users at serious risk, particularly during times of peak traffic such as school runs and the morning and late afternoon/early evening commute.
 
The aim of the campaign is to improve safety and reduce the number of collisions on Manx roads.
 
Research shows that being distracted by a call or text makes drivers four times more likely to crash. Reaction times are slower and a split-second lapse in concentration can cause even the most careful drivers to lose control.
 
People can choose to install a decent quality hands-free kit in their vehicle for about ?40 to avoid falling foul of the law.
 
John Houghton, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said: ‘We are living in an age when being constantly connected is the norm. More and more people have mobile phones and smartphones, which they find difficult to switch off, even for a minute. Talking, texting or emailing on a hand-held mobile diverts attention from the road and puts other people in danger. Many people who wouldn’t dream of drink-driving are using their mobile when behind the wheel, oblivious to the fact that the consequences can be just as serious.’
 
He added: ‘The aim of this road safety campaign is to reduce collisions and raise awareness of the potential outcomes of being caught. A maximum fine of ?2,500 and four penalty points shows how seriously the offence is viewed. The billboards will appear at a number of different locations for a day or two at a time to reach the widest possible audience. Our message is “if you see the sign, think of the fine”’.
 
Gordon Edwards, Road Safety Manager, commented: ‘Using a mobile phone is incredibly dangerous when driving, but I’d also ask drivers to think about where they stop when they take a call. We’ve seen examples of vehicles stopping around blind bends, on pedestrian crossings and mostly double parking, causing congestion. We simply ask drivers to show more consideration and common sense.’
 
The campaign posters are available to download from the road safety website at http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/.