Blitz on drivers using mobile phones while driving
Friday, December 17, 2010
SINGAPORE : The Traffic Police went on a 3-hour blitz on Thursday to catch those who drive and use their mobile phones at the same time.
IT MAY be a convenient way of finding your way around - but using an iPhone app while driving could be a short cut to a fine or jail sentence.
Many motorists do not realise it, but keying in destinations or looking at a smartphone for directions while driving is illegal.
That is just a slight 6.4 per cent dip over last year, when 2,788 drivers were caught for the offence.
It is a dangerous habit that the Traffic Police wants to see curtailed.
Thursday's operation covered areas such as Geylang, Bedok and Tampines.
Two drivers were caught red-handed.
The officers trailed the suspects' cars for at least 10 seconds before approaching them.
Their phones were confiscated, but their SIM cards were returned to them.
The mobile phones can only be retrieved after about two weeks to a month, when the fines are settled.
A first-time offender can incur 12 demerit points on top of a S$200 fine for using a mobile phone while driving.
- CNA/al Read more...
