Drivers still aren’t switching off calls

Road safety charity Brake released figures that show 1,175 drivers in North Kirklees have three or more points on their licence for using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Sarah Martin, from the charity, said: “More of us with smartphones find it hard to switch off. While there are benefits to this new technology, it’s also posing dangerous temptations to drivers to divert their concentration, often putting our most vulnerable road users in danger.

“Many people who wouldn’t dream of drink-driving are using their phone while driving, but the effect can be similar and the consequences just as horrific.

“Our message to drivers in North Kirklees is this: turn off your phone or put it in the boot.”

Batley was North Kirklees’s worst offender, with 475 drivers having three points or more for using a mobile phone while driving, with Dewsbury close behind with 423.

Coun Cathy Scott, Kirklees cabinet member for place, said: “As 95 per cent of all road accidents involve some form of human error, it is very important for road users to be full aware of what is happening around them on the road to keep themselves and other road users safe.”

The figures were released for Road Safety Week. For more information, visit www.brake.org.uk.