Drivers caught brushing teeth and map reading

Drivers have been caught shaving, brushing their teeth or putting on make-up while in traffic, during a five day campaign by two police forces (Telegraph).

In all, 198 people were prosecuted by Thames Valley and Hampshire Police for motoring offences – mainly for driving while distracted.

They were picked up on the M27, M3, A34, M4 and M40 during an exercise called Operation Tramline, in which police drove an unmarked Scania lorry cab and videoed motorists breaking the law.

Other transgressions included two van drivers reading newspapers, one using a map on the steering wheel, and two looking at iPads.

The majority of those caught were prosecuted for using a handheld mobile. The drivers caught by the police were issued with fixed penalty notices for offences which lead to three points on their licence and a fine of £100.

Sergeant Paul Dimond said: “Many of the people stopped agreed with the police action and were very embarrassed having been caught on their phones.

“The vast majority were holding phones in their lap and accessing applications or texting with their hands held low – this can be very dangerous.

“These offences are being committed by otherwise law abiding and hardworking people. Unfortunately it is that same group of people that are being hurt as a result of the accidents.

“Distracted driving is proven to be a significant factor in many of the collisions on our roads.”

Click here to read the full Telegraph report.