In the first two months of 2019, almost 5,000 drivers in Ireland were detected holding their mobile phone while driving by An Garda Síochána, an increase of 24 percent in detections compared to the same period in 2018.

Now, the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and are urging drivers, ahead of the Easter weekend, to put their mobile phones away while driving so they can focus all their attention on the road.

“A 24 percent increase in detections for holding a mobile while driving is shocking but clearly, the Gardaí are working hard to stamp out the practice, and it should serve as a warning to those people who refuse to listen,” said Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. “Evidence shows that driver distraction is one of the major risk factors in causing road traffic collisions. When you use your mobile phone behind the wheel, taking your mind and eyes off the road for just a split second can destroy everything forever. The message is put the phone away while driving and take extra care over the coming Easter Bank Holiday weekend.”

In Ireland, the offence of holding a mobile phone while driving is the second highest reason for a driver to receive penalty points, after speeding, and 81,199 penalty points notices for mobile phone usage were issued in the three-year period up to end of March 2019.

“Using your mobile phone when driving makes you four times more likely to crash,” said Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA. “Despite this, rational, intelligent people continue to text, make phone calls and check into their social media accounts.”

Motorists detected holding a mobile phone risk a fixed charge notice of €60 and three penalty points. If a fully licensed driver receives 12 penalty points in a three-year period they will be disqualified from driving for six months. If a learner permit holder or novice driver receives seven points in a three-year period they will face a six months disqualification.