Which type of distracted driver are you?

After a month of monitoring around Hertfordshire, the results of the county council's distraction driving checks are in. So, are you a 'Mascara Lara', 'Teatime Tina', 'Grooming Graham', 'Mobile Mark' or a 'Reading Rita'?

Road safety officers from Hertfordshire County Council were out at rush hour at nine sites across the county keeping an eye out for distracted drivers. They spotted:

• 236 people on hand-held mobile phones
• 81 people texting
• 44 people drinking hot drinks
• 60 people eating breakfast
• 32 people reading

There were also numerous other distracted drivers including people rummaging in handbags and the glove compartment, and even people shaving, applying make up and opening their morning post.

Particular hot spots were Hertford, Hemel Hempstead and Watford.

Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: "When you're driving without any distractions, it normally takes half a second to react and get your foot on the brake. If you're distracted while driving, your reaction time can increase to two-and-a-half seconds. This is all the time it takes to hit a pedestrian or another vehicle.

"This is the second year that our road safety unit has carried out these checks. One stand out figure is that there's a significant increase in 'Mobile Marks'. It's worrying to think that, for some people, a phone call or replying to a text message or email is more important than avoiding an accident.

"We hope that by carrying out this research and publicising the results people will now think twice before doing anything other than driving while behind the wheel. The information we have complied will now be shared with the police to help inform the areas they select for patrols.

"Our cars are not cafes, offices or bathrooms. Driving is already a complex task - please don't make it more complicated."

In 2008/09 the police charged over 3,600 people in Hertfordshire with distraction driving related offences.

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce of the Strategic Roads Policing Unit said: "Road safety is a priority for Hertfordshire Constabulary and we will take robust action against those people who are distracted behind the wheel of a vehicle and are not giving the road their full attention.

"Driving while using a mobile phone or putting make up on, for example, is extremely dangerous. By not focusing on driving, it is harder to react to other road users and respond quickly enough.

"How would you feel if your actions contributed to a serious injury or death of someone else? Is it worth losing your job, partner, home and the possibility of imprisonment?

"We carry out proactive patrols across the county in order to ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers and pedestrians and we will continue to work with our partners, including Hertfordshire County Council, to reduce the number of people seriously injured or killed on our roads."

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• bad driving
• distracted drivers
• car crashes
• shaving
• make-up
• stupid driver
• careless driver

[sofiayearwood]

thanks for a lot of information i will try this features.

[skatedistrict238]

@TandA1724 they are in a diff country. observe shit before you blurt out.

[rockrgrl637]

This is awful. Was it supposed to be funny? :P

[TandA1724]

same cars always in the back and their on the wrong side just sayin

[UntilTomorrowtheband]

hahahhahaha

[voiceofreason2008]

good video

could have been better edited and a little more graphic

[ThePINKIDEMON]

what no sex ?

[AprilsLala]

this is awesome

[MKZproduction]

This is a good video.