16/09/2010
Driving Home Dangers Of Phoning
A Stormont politician has praised a local initiative that aims to 'cut-off' rogue drivers who insist on using mobile phones when behind the wheel.
Ulster Unionist MLA Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership's new campaign, in conjunction with the PSNI, which carries a serious message about the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving.
The East Antrim representative stated: "Every day on our roads I see people using their mobiles whilst driving.
"From young girls with the phone to their ear through to van drivers texting as they enter a junction, I never fail to be amazed at the short-sightedness of those who endanger themselves and other road users.
"Police figures state that texting behind the wheel impairs a driver more than being drunk and I would hope that drivers in Northern Ireland have already taken on board the consequences of drink driving," he said, this week.
"The harsh reality is that those people who are caught texting or using a mobile for calls without a hands free kit will receive three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.
"Beyond this, motoring convictions will raise the cost of car insurance so that there are further financial implications," he continued.
"However, the real incentive in concentrating on the road and not being distracted is reducing the death rates on our roads.
"Driving responsibly ensures that mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives are not killed or injured and that families don't have to deal with the trauma of a road traffic accident.
"As we enter the autumn period with decreasing visibility it is vitally important that we keep our eyes on the road, not on our phones," the popular East Antrim MLA concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Ulster Unionist MLA Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership's new campaign, in conjunction with the PSNI, which carries a serious message about the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving.
The East Antrim representative stated: "Every day on our roads I see people using their mobiles whilst driving.
"From young girls with the phone to their ear through to van drivers texting as they enter a junction, I never fail to be amazed at the short-sightedness of those who endanger themselves and other road users.
"Police figures state that texting behind the wheel impairs a driver more than being drunk and I would hope that drivers in Northern Ireland have already taken on board the consequences of drink driving," he said, this week.
"The harsh reality is that those people who are caught texting or using a mobile for calls without a hands free kit will receive three penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.
"Beyond this, motoring convictions will raise the cost of car insurance so that there are further financial implications," he continued.
"However, the real incentive in concentrating on the road and not being distracted is reducing the death rates on our roads.
"Driving responsibly ensures that mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives are not killed or injured and that families don't have to deal with the trauma of a road traffic accident.
"As we enter the autumn period with decreasing visibility it is vitally important that we keep our eyes on the road, not on our phones," the popular East Antrim MLA concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
09 May 2006
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
Roads Service to spend £6M on improvements
The Roads Service is to invest £4 million into the Armagh district and £2 million in the Newtownabbey area over the next twelve months, it has been revealed today.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
02 December 2003
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
Local roads get record £80m spend
A record £80 million will be spent on structural roads maintenance this year across Northern Ireland. The figure was revealed by Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt as he presented DRD Roads Service’s autumn report to Newtownabbey Borough Council. Mr McCourt said: "This is a huge increase in investment over previous years.
14 September 2012
Wilson Caught Phoning While Driving
Finance minister Sammy Wilson has been fined £200 for driving while using a hand-held telephone. On April 30 this year, a court heard, Mr Wilson was spotted by a policeman holding a mobile phone up to his right ear as he drove on High Street, Newtownards. Officers stopped Mr Wilson, who admitted using the mobile but said it was on speakerphone.
Wilson Caught Phoning While Driving
Finance minister Sammy Wilson has been fined £200 for driving while using a hand-held telephone. On April 30 this year, a court heard, Mr Wilson was spotted by a policeman holding a mobile phone up to his right ear as he drove on High Street, Newtownards. Officers stopped Mr Wilson, who admitted using the mobile but said it was on speakerphone.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
