Drivers risking it all (From Watford Observer)

Drivers risking it all

5:19pm Monday 2nd June 2008 in News

Many drivers in Watford are putting themselves and others at risk by not fully concentrating on the task at hand.

The stupidity of people behind the wheel was highlighted when a team from Hertfordshire County Council's Road Safety Unit went to the Dome Roundabout in Watford during the morning rush hour to observe driving habits.

During that thime they witnessed:

• 29 people on mobile phones (including two people texting)
• five people drinking hot drinks
• six people eating breakfast (including one man with a phone in one hand and sandwich in the other)
• three people reading
• one woman applying make-up.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs said: "Driving may feel automatic once you've had your licence for a while, but it is in fact a complex skill where we ask ourselves to concentrate on many different things at once.

"I would urge people to not make it even harder for themselves by adding in eating, drinking or using a hand-held mobile phone into the equation. These distractions add considerably to reaction times and could make all the difference to the safety of drivers and other road users.

"Turn off your phone, put down your morning coffee and focus on the job in hand - driving safely."

Road safety officers are willing to visit companies in the area with a driving simulator to demonstrate to staff the effects on reaction times of using a hand-held mobile phone. To arrange a visit please contact Simon Hoggett on 01992 556802 or simon.hoggett@hertscc.gov.uk.

• What is the stupidest thing you have witnessed someone behind the wheel of their car? Click the comment link below to share your views.