It is impossible to drive safely and use a mobile for talking or texting at the same time, road safety authorities warned today. The brain cannot effectively do both, Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Jim Cox said.

“Driving is a complex task, even though it can seem we can do it without much thinking. Talking on a mobile phone – even hands-free – or texting, takes valuable concentration away from driving and in in the few seconds it takes to take your eyes off the road and look at a text message a tragedy can happen.”

Police Commander Brett Smith said talking on a mobile or texting while driving was against the law.

“Not paying attention is a major crash factor and clearly using a mobile phone is still a big temptation to many people,” he said.

“If you need to answer a phone call or send a text, pull over and park in a safe spot off the road.”

Today’s Road Safety Week focus is on inattentive driving today and Police throughout the State would be paying attention to it, Commander Smith said.

Take the test that proves driving and using a mobile, even hands-free, cannot be done http://think.direct.gov.uk/drivingchallenge/