Courtesy of The Press and Journal Wednesday, January 21, 2015

“An Aberdeenshire councillor is urging drivers to think twice about using their mobile phone behind the wheel.

Westhill councillor Iris Walker has launched a campaign to promote road safety by highlighting the dangers of talking or texting while driving.

Signs have been erected on the dual carriageway at Westhill and in the surrounding areas and police will educate drivers if they are stopped for the offence.

Ms Walker said “Studies show that drivers who use a mobile phone are much less aware of what is happening around them, fail to see road signs, react more slowly, take longer to brake and longer to stop.

“They are also four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves or others.

“We know that there are a high number of drivers on their phones who go undetected – we see them every day. The police cannot be everywhere. Drivers need to be more aware of the dangers.”

Inspector Jon Millar of the Garioch local policing team said “Driving whilst using a mobile phone is a significant distraction to any driver. It is important that all drivers are fully aware of what is going on around them and are free from distraction and fully engaging in driving safely. In built up areas, a driver needs to be able to respond to any number of hazards and the message is clear: if you need to take a call, then pull over.”