MOTORISTS using their mobile phones while driving risk being stopped in a crackdown by police.

A total of 15 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 are still using their phones when behind the wheel, the force says.

Dedicated teams across the county will be stopping drivers caught using their phones, issuing penalties, as well as educating motorists about the dangers of distraction as part in a nationwide initiative running until the end of the month.

The last campaign focusing on mobile phones took place in September and saw 160 drivers caught using their devices.

In 2015, a total of 5,540 people were caught using their mobile phone at the wheel across the county.

Hampshire Constabulary’s road safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: “This week’s campaign is to highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving or driving while distracted.

“The majority of people know they should not be using their phone while driving, but don’t seem to understand what a huge distraction it can be and take the risk.

“By using your phone you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and your reaction times can be around 50 per cent slower.

“You are far less aware of what’s happening on the road and often fail to see or react to road signs and signals.”

He added: “Using a hands-free phone while driving does not significantly reduce the risks either.

“The problems are caused mainly by mental distraction and divided attention of taking part in a phone conversation at the same time as driving.

“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.”

Police say:

• Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash

• It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices

• The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic

• It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.

If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you:

• Need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

• Are safely parked

You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and two-way radios when you’re driving or riding.

But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.

Penalties for using your phone while driving include an automatic fixed penalty notice with three penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100, or if your case is heard in court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.