Police Focus On Distraction Offences

18th November 2013

Police in Highlands and Islands focus on distraction offences as part of national road safety initiative.

Officers from Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division are taking part in a national road safety initiative focussing on distraction offences as part of the BRAKE National Road Safety Week.

The week-long initiative, which commenced today, focuses on enforcing the law in terms of use of items which cause a distraction, such as driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone or device.

Also the initiative will see officers educating road users on other actions that can lead to distraction such as eating, drinking, adjusting a stereo or using a Satellite Navigation System, which can all deteriorate driver performance and lead to a collision.

Divisional Road Policing Inspector Neil Lumsden said: "Many road users comply with the law in respect of mobile phone use whilst driving, but there are many who may still be committing a distraction offence without realising it.

"Whilst driving any vehicle the focus should always be on the road, other road users, road conditions and hazards that present themselves, regardless of your familiarity with the route, in order to prevent a collision.

"I would ask all road users to be aware of their surroundings whilst driving, especially at this time of year when daylight hours are reducing, so we can all play our part in helping to make our roads safer.”

The week long initiative commenced today (18 November 2013) at 07:00 hours until Monday 25 November 2013 at 07:00 hours.