A STAGGERING 115 motorists were caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel during a two-week operation.
Despite the potentially fatal consequences of being distracted while driving, dozens were seen making calls, texting or watching videos illegally rather than concentrating on the road.
West Midlands Police caught one Coventry motorise using a banking app while driving.
Out of the 115, 70 were seen making phone calls or texting.
Studies show a driver’s reaction time is a third slower if texting compared to a drink driver.
Research has also found motorists who use their mobile phone while driving are four times more likely to crash.
During the two-week crackdown from February 8 to 21, officers patrolled the motorway network in the region and recorded 20 offences using the Op Tramline HGV cab, an unmarked specially-adapted HGV which gives officers a clear view of all road users.
Those caught breaking the law were given penalty points and a fine or reported for summons.
The police also issued verbal warnings to highlight the dangers and educate motorists.
Sgt Jon Butler, from WMP’s Road Harm Prevention Team, said: “If you’re travelling for essential reasons then ensure you keep your hands on the wheel and off the phone. Using a mobile while driving can have devastating consequences to both the driver and other road users.
“It may take only a few seconds to glance at your phone and open an app but that’s all it takes for a potentially fatal or life changing collision to unfold. Distractions can be deadly, don’t put lives at risk, put your phone away while driving.”
