Everyone knows that one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving is to take out your phone, as proven by hundreds of cases from around the world where this has ended in tragedy.
And with a reported 28,000 drivers in the Republic of Ireland caught holding a phone in their hands while driving last year, the gardaí have decided to take a strong stance against the habit.
While those caught on the phone while driving are currently handed out three penalty points and ordered to pay a standard fine of €80, the authorities are reportedly launching a new operation to really clamp down on the offence.
As part of the targeted operation, plain clothes and uniformed gardaí will be out monitoring the roads in a bid to stamp out this dangerous driving behaviour which has become so common throughout the country.
According to RTE.ie, a garda representative branded mobile phone use as one of the biggest causes of distracted driving, resulting in collisions and even fatalities.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid confirmed: "We are announcing that there will be a targeted operation taking place over the next few days, but not announcing the exact dates.”
"Our appeal, and why we are advertising this operation in advance, is for drivers to modify their driving,” he added.
