The police are on the look out and are catching drivers in numbers, sometimes individual patrols are spotting dozens a day, and there is a good reason for this.

Research has shown that accidents are more likely to happen if a driver is using his phone, either taking, making a call or answering or sending texts.

While accompanying a patrol on the M8 the Evening Times saw a worrying number of drivers using their phone on the motorway, when a split second lack of concentration at speeds of up to 70mph can have catastrophic consequences.

The penalties are there and could lead to someone losing their licence, but still many flout the law, either mistakenly thinking it is not dangerous or that they will not be caught.

The law was introduced for a reason and must be adhered to by drivers who are risking not only their own safety but that of others on the road.

If they continue to ignore the law for their own selfish convenience by being unable to ignore their mobile or get a hands-free kit then thankfully we have police patrols who will spot them and hand out the penalties.

THE number of drivers caught using their mobile phones at the wheel shows that the message of how dangerous an activity it has still to get through.

The police are on the look out and are catching drivers in numbers, sometimes individual patrols are spotting dozens a day, and there is a good reason for this.

Research has shown that accidents are more likely to happen if a driver is using his phone either taking or making a call or answering or sending texts.

While accompanying a patrol on the M8 the Evening Times saw a worrying number of drivers using their phone on the motorway, when a split second lack of concentration at speeds of up to 70mph can have catastrophic consequences.

The penalties are there and could lead to someone losing their licence, but still many flout the law, either mistakenly thinking it is not dangerous or that they will not be caught.

The law was introduced for a reason and must be adhered to by drivers who are risking not only their own safety but that of others on the road.

If they continue to ignore the law for their own selfish convenience by being unable to ignore their mobile or get a hands-free kit then thankfully we have police patrols who will spot them and hand out the penalties.