Doomsday alert warning for Sutherland drivers today
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Drivers in Sutherland have been warned that the government's UK-wide ‘Armageddon alert’ today could have serious consequences if it distracts them on the roads.
Motoring experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged Sutherland residents to be careful and stay safe if they’re driving on Sunday afternoon and be aware reacting to the message could land them in trouble with the law resulting in hefty fines.
The government announced they will trial an emergency alarm at 3pm today (Sunday, April 23) on smartphones across the UK. There is growing concern the alert, which will appear on home screens, accompanied by a loud siren and vibration for around 10 seconds, will distract drivers and put road users at risk.
While on the road, UK law states motorists should have complete control of their vehicles at all times.
Research shows using a phone behind the wheel makes drivers four times more likely to crash, so holding or using any mobile phone or device which can send and receive data whilst driving is illegal.
Anyone breaking this law could face up to six points on their license and a £200 fine, and anyone who has passed their driving test in the last two years will be stripped of their license.
Rule 148 of the Highway code also states safe driving needs concentration without distraction to avoid potentially endangering anyone.
Motorists who are distracted by the alarm could therefore be fined for careless driving if they are found not in complete control of their vehicle, which carries an unlimited fine, up to 9 points and a driving disqualification.
A car which is moving at 30mph travels about three car lengths a second, so drivers who look away from the road will travel a significant distance while unaware of potential hazards. After a distraction from a phone, research says it can take half a minute to regain full attention.
Greg Wilson, CEO and Founder at Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Drivers need to be wary of the emergency alert while on the road. Anyone who receives it while driving should continue to drive and not respond to the noise or attempt to pick up their mobile phone.
“The test could endanger road users if they are confused by the alert and feel the need to look at or touch their phone, so they should treat it the same way they would if they were receiving a call or message and ignore it.
“Driving is dangerous if motorists aren’t giving their full attention to the road as any mistake or distraction which leads them to take their eyes off the road could be very serious.
“Studies have shown a correlation between phone use and motoring accidents, so if possible, it’s best to postpone your car journey on Sunday and drive after the alarm has sounded or put your phone in the boot so it’s less distracting.”
The doomsday system, which has been set up to warn Brits of disasters, could have a serious impact on reaction time, so it's best for drivers to be on high alert.
