Gardaí launch national campaign against phone use while driving
Gardaí are launching a nationwide blitz against people using mobile phones while driving tomorrow.
New laws are on the way from next month which make it an offence to send or read a text message - or to even hold or touch a mobile phone while driving.
Gardaí said the aim of the campaign, from tomorrow, is to educate drivers on the risks of using their phones behind the wheel.
Assistant Garda Commissioner John Twomey said it is one of the most common offences on our roads.
"In 2013, with 28,000 offences, while in 2014 in the fist quarter, almost 10,000 offences have been detected … a 60% increase," he said.
"It reflects today's society and how mobile phone use has become an integral part of our every day life. But what we must be aware of is the dangers and the risks it poses."
