“A MOMENT’S inattention could be the difference between life and death,” is the stark warning from Hampshire Police to motorists using mobile phones.

The warning was from Hampshire officers taking part in a week long crackdown starting on Monday, January 23, on those using them while driving.

All too often officers are confronted with the devastating results of using phones while driving and they are hoping the action week will reduce unnecessary deaths on the roads.

Officers will be carrying out dedicated operations stopping drivers caught using their phones, issuing penalties, as well as educating motorists about the dangers of distraction.

The recent Operation Tramline targeting motorists driving whilst doing other things, revealed that too many drivers are still using mobile phones.

During the five-day operation 137 drivers were caught using their phones when behind the wheel.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: “Every day we all see people use their mobile phone whilst driving, whether looking at a text, making and receiving calls or even surfing the internet

“Doing any of these will clearly impair and distract your ability to drive a vehicle safely.

“Research has shown that talking on a mobile phone can impair your ability to drive more than if you were driving whilst over the drink drive limit.

“You are much less aware of what’s happening around you and fail to see road signs, maintain a proper lane position or a steady speed.

“You are four times more likely to be involved in a collision whilst using a mobile phone or being distracted in a vehicle as your reactions are 50 per cent slower.

“I am urging all motorists to not take that risk, a moment’s inattention can be the difference between life and death.

“Please think twice before answering a call, looking at a text or browsing your phone, lets have no more innocent people lose their life.

“My advice is to turn your phone off whilst driving, put it out of reach, and out of view.

"This way you won’t be tempted to look at it and become distracted -- it’s not worth the risk.”