Nearly 40 crashes last year caused by being distracted behind the wheel

The Department of Infrastructure\'s Road Safety Unit and the Police have launched a joint initiative called Operation Hands Free.

The Department of Infrastructure's Road Safety Unit and the Police have launched a joint initiative called Operation Hands Free.

Figures show that 37 road traffic accidents in the Isle of Man last year were caused by being distracted behind the wheel.

The campaign, using radio adverts and notice boards, aims to deter the use of hand held mobile phones whilst driving.

Inspector Mark Britton of the Roads Policing Unit said:'Mobile phones cause a number of accidents on our roads and we are fully backing Operations Hands Free. Don't risk causing an accident or being prosecuted, make sure you are hands free'or pull over safely if you need to answer a call.'

Anybody caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel could be fined up to £1,000.