Drivers warned over distractions

05/10/11

By Dan Smith

Motorists in Hampshire have been caught carrying out a range of unlikely tasks while driving their vehicles, according to police in the region.

Officers reported that one driver was found using a laptop, drinking coffee and answering quiz questions while at the wheel.

Other drivers were caught talking on their mobile phones, while one man was seen eating a pear with a knife.

The police force's Operation Tramline crackdown on distracted drivers made use of an unmarked HGV cab, two marked cars and a marked motorbike.

Commenting on the initiative, Sergeant Paul Diamond warned motorists that they could be hit with fines and points penalties as a result of distractions.

He said: "Should you crash whilst driving distracted or on your phone, causing death by careless driving is punishable by 14 years in prison and we will seek to robustly prosecute anyone committing these offences."