PSNI Highlight Consequences Of Using Phones While Driving

The PSNI has issued a warning in the hope of compelling those who use mobile phones while driving to consider the consequences of their actions.

Sharing a video from Thames Valley Police featuring the bereaved family of Tracy Houghton, who died along with her two sons and stepdaughter in a collision in England in 2016, local officers highlighted the "shocking realities" and potential fatal consequences of using a phone while driving.

The heartbreaking video, which some viewers may find distressing, displays the devastating impact of the actions of a lorry driver who caused the crash on the A34, near Newbury in Berkshire, on 10 August 2016.

Tomasz Kroker was changing music on his phone when he struck a queue of traffic, killing the mother and children as they made their way home from a camping trip. He later pleaded guilty to four counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.



A PSNI spokesperson said: "Are you a driver who uses your mobile phone hand held when driving?

"Maybe on the way to work this morning you 'had to' lift your phone to make or take a call.

"Perhaps on the school run this afternoon you will pick up your phone to read or send an 'important' text message.

"Maybe you will just lift your phone and take a 2 second glance to change music or look at a breaking news story?

"Road deaths are not just statistics, they are shocking realities many of which could be avoided. Inattention, including through lifting and using a mobile phone when driving, is a primary causation factor of collisions involving death and serious injury."

Referencing the video, the spokesperson urged motorists to consider the three children and the mum the next time they are on the roads and consider lifting their mobile phone.

"Would you actually pick up and use your phone again when driving after seeing this?" the spokesperson added.



(JG/CM)