Kildare gardai campaign to target distracted driving

An Garda Síochána Kildare will be out in force today (Wednesday, March 4) targeting mobile phone use and distracted driving.

Kildare gardai are to take part in a National Day of Action on the problem, which takes place across the country.

Enforcement actions will be carried out across the division to detect and deter dangerous driving behaviours.

Distracted driving is defined as any behaviour that diverts a driver’s attention from the road.

According to the Road Safety Authority, distracted driving — including mobile phone use — is estimated to be a contributing factor in 20-30% of all collisions on Irish roads.

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Kildare gardai advise that motorists detected holding a mobile phone while driving will receive a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice (FCPN) of €120 and three penalty points on their driving licence.

A garda spokesperson stated: “Your mobile phone - would it kill you to put it away? Make the safe choice. Put the phone away before you drive.”