The traffic control took place on highways A27, A12, and A2, as well as various provincial roads in the province of Utrecht. Surveillance was conducted using a coach and several unmarked cars and motorcycles on N-roads near Soest and Amersfoort, the Zuilense Ring (N230) near Utrecht, and the N233 near Veenendaal.
Increased Chances of Being Caught
Officers from the Traffic Team are present daily for traffic enforcement, but on Wednesday, November 19, the team had a clear focus on distraction. To enhance the effect, a coach was also used during this control. From a coach, you can see much more than from a car. This way, you can easily and discreetly look inside the cabins of trucks, vans, and cars, said a police spokesperson. If observers on the bus spot an offender, one of the cars or motorcycles is deployed to fine that person.
118 Fines Issued
Within about six hours, a total of eighty drivers were fined for holding a mobile phone. The fine for holding a mobile device has been 430 euros since the beginning of this year. The reason for this hefty fine is the hundreds of traffic victims each year. Some drivers received multiple fines yesterday because they also drove too fast, ignored red lights, or crossed solid lines. In total, 118 fines were issued for the following violations:
- 80x holding an electronic device or phone while driving
- 12x speeding
- 5x running a red light
- 1x driving under the influence
- 20x other violations, including unnecessary left driving or crossing solid lines
Distraction Remains an Underestimated Risk
Using a smartphone while driving increases the risk of a traffic accident by 2.5 times. Yet many road users, consciously or unconsciously, still use their phones while driving. The high number of fines shows that the risk is still underestimated, said a police spokesperson. Every violation we detect is a moment when traffic safety is at stake. That is exactly why we continue these traffic controls. Officers were surprised yesterday when one driver was caught for the 31st time. We had a serious conversation with this driver. We hope the high fine now deters him. For a next violation, he may also face an educational measure for behavior and traffic (EMG).
Drive MONO
The police urge drivers to focus on just one thing while driving: the traffic. By not being distracted by messages, you can keep your attention on the road. For example, put your phone on Do Not Disturb before departure. And when you want to send a message to someone while driving, help the other person drive MONO by postponing that message. You can also let others know when you are on the road (“Don’t Text Me!”) so they won’t disturb you. Also, visit komveiligthuis.nl for more tips.
