Starting today, fines will be imposed via the focus flashing light for holding a mobile device while driving. The Public Prosecution Service aims to reduce distractions in traffic. In February, the first focus flashing light was installed by Minister Van Weel (Justice and Security). After a test period, the first focus flashing light will be activated on Monday, May 19, in The Hague.
If you drive at 50 km/h and look at a screen for three seconds, you have traveled 42 meters. Thats half a football field, during which you havent been paying attention to the road. As a result, you may notice a red traffic light or a crossing pedestrian too late. Those few seconds spent checking that message can make the difference between getting home safely and causing a serious accident. Yet many drivers cannot resist the temptation; research by the Scientific Research Foundation for Traffic Safety (SWOV) shows that 75% of drivers have used a phone while driving.
The Hague First Location
This percentage is far too high. To make more people aware of their traffic behavior, the Public Prosecution Service is intensifying enforcement of holding mobile devices while driving with the focus flashing light. Fifty focus flashing lights will rotate throughout the Netherlands, sending violations to the CJIB. Starting today, May 19, enforcement will begin with the focus flashing light and fines will be imposed. The first location is Ypenburgse Stationsweg in The Hague. Locations in Utrecht and the rest of the country will follow. This nationwide distribution significantly increases the likelihood of being caught. This is necessary to reduce distractions. The focus flashing lights will primarily be placed on N-roads and busy roads in built-up areas. These roads see a lot of traffic, achieving the greatest effect on behavior.
Automatic Enforcement
The focus flashing light has a camera that can detect the holding of a mobile electronic device. The focus flashing light is easy to move, allowing it to be deployed at varying locations throughout the Netherlands. Photos in which the system detects a mobile phone in the drivers hand are sent to the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB). An extraordinary enforcement officer (boa) then assesses the photos. If it turns out that the driver was indeed holding a mobile device, the vehicle owner receives a fine of 430 euros.
Joint Approach
The focus flashing light is an addition to existing enforcement methods against distractions already employed by the police, such as observations by officers and the use of the Monocam and control from a touring car. By warning in various ways about the risks of distractions and intensifying enforcement, more drivers will adjust their behavior. Enforcement thus reinforces the message of the MONO campaign: behind the wheel, you are only focused on traffic. The more focus drivers have on the road, the more people will get home safely.