This was one excuse given by a driver when stopped by police officers during the latest Vision Zero day in Southend. He was one of six drivers spotted using his mobile phone during the initiative on Thursday, April 11.
Thirty-nine drivers were stopped for not wearing seatbelts, twelve vehicles were seized for having no insurance and one driver was found to be driving carelessly.
The engagement team spoke to scores of shoppers about the Partnership’s aspiration for zero deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads by 2040.
Liam Collins, Road Safety Technician, said: “We were so pleased to hear how supportive everyone was for Vision Zero. Everyone we spoke to agreed that it was the only acceptable aspiration, and most were happy to pledge their support by signing the Vision Zero pledge.
“Most drivers adhered to the speed limit and weren’t using their phones. We know that most people now understand the dangers of being distracted by their phones, so we were surprised to speak to a driver who didn’t see a problem with using the phone in his hand on loudspeaker.
“Over the last three years, eighty-one road-users were injured in collisions in Essex, where distraction was identified as the cause. Of these, 49 were either killed or seriously injured. By 2040 we want to say that no one was killed or seriously injured on our roads. Will you play your part and help us save lives?”
For more information on Vision Zero and the pledge, please visit www.saferessexroads.org/visionzero.
