Industry News from Yes Insurance

The dangers of talking on mobile phones while driving have long been highlighted and the message is finally beginning to get through to motorists, according to one expert.

However it seems there is still a problem with drivers sending text messages behind the wheel, and police are warning that they could be banned from driving if they are caught.

Thanks to new traffic legislation brought in at the end of last month anyone found using a mobile phone whilst driving, either making a call or texting, will be fined £60 and issued with three penalty points, causing their car insurance premium to rise as a result.

Sergeant Mike Jones of Warrington police told the Northwich Guardian: "The other day I fined a man who was texting while sitting at traffic lights, so that short message cost him not the normal 10p but £60.10 and three penalty points on his driving licence."

Police warn that if caught on four occasions without previously receiving licence points a motorist could face an automatic driving ban, which could seriously hamper his or her efforts to obtain cheap car insurance once they are permitted to drive again.

According to the Department for Transport the reaction times of drivers using mobile phones are worse than if they were driving under the influence of alcohol.

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