officers across Hampshire, joined a UK crackdown on motorists using their phones at the wheel.

Traffic officers have been carrying out dedicated operations stopping drivers caught using their phones, issuing penalties, as well as educating motorists about the dangers of distraction.

Fifteen per cent of all fatal collisions in Hampshire have involved the driver being distracted or using a mobile phone, yet despite these potentially fatal consequences, motorists still take the risk.

The last campaign focusing on mobile phones took place in May and saw 190 people caught – an increase of 36 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Sergeant Rob Heard said: “You are four times more likely to be involved in a collision while using a mobile phone or being distracted in a vehicle.

“Unfortunately, far too many people are still deciding to take that risk and the consequences of these actions can cause devastation, as we have recently seen with the case on the A34 and a lorry driver being distracted by his phone.

“The video in this case clearly showed the driver looking at his phone then looking ahead numerous times. This clearly showed how he was distracted, even though he was looking ahead several times he still did not see what was happening ahead, namely the slowing stationary traffic.

“By the time he did realise it was too late and four innocent people lost their lives,” Sgt Heard added. “This crash was completely avoidable and people need to remember that a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

“My advice is to turn your phone off while driving, put it out of reach, and out of view. This way you won’t be tempted to look at it and become distracted. It’s not worth the risk.”

Research has shown using a mobile makes reactions 50 per cent slower.

Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks because the problems are caused mainly by the mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.