The Police announced an awareness week and stricter checks regarding distracted driving and the handling of driving without hands-free use (using a mobile phone or other object) with the ultimate goal of reducing serious and fatal injuries in road traffic collisions and raising awareness among drivers.
Nationwide traffic checks will start from tomorrow, Monday, June 2, 2024, and will last until Sunday, June 9, 2024.
As is known, both internationally and locally, driver distraction ranks among the most significant factors contributing to increased chances of involvement in a road traffic collision, dramatically limiting reaction time in emergencies.
Driving while using a mobile phone plays a crucial role in this.
Furthermore, it is noted that several valid studies have demonstrated that using a mobile phone while driving significantly reduces:
- Maintaining the correct position on the road
- Maintaining the correct/predicted speed
- Reaction time, resulting in delayed braking
- Judgment and recognition of safe distances
- The overall perception of traffic movement
It is also highlighted that driver distraction during driving, resulting in careless driving, was the primary cause of fatal road traffic collisions during the period 2021-2023, accounting for 16.2%. Concerning serious road traffic collisions, it was also the leading cause during the period 2021-2023, accounting for 21.3%.
Additionally, during continuous road checks, there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations that are the main causes of fatal and serious road traffic collisions (failure to use seat belts/protective helmets, speeding violations, and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs).mobile phone. distracted driving, traffic checks, driver distraction