December 14, 2024
Starting December 14, 2024, all drivers in East Flanders must immediately hand over their driving license for 15 days if caught using a mobile phone, tablet, or smartwatch while driving. The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office is following the example of other public prosecutor’s offices that have already implemented stricter measures.
“We have organized numerous awareness campaigns, but the number of violations remains high,” explains the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, justifying the tougher sanctions against the use of phones, tablets, or smartwatches while driving.
Despite these many initiatives, more and more drivers are getting distracted by the use of screens while driving, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Using a phone while driving: what is the extent of the problem?
The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office is now following other public prosecutor’s offices that have already adopted a stricter approach. They rely on data from VIAS, the Belgian road safety institute, which states that “8% of all fatal accidents are linked to the use of phones while driving. In numbers: this leads to about 50 deaths and 4,500 injuries each year.”
The use of these devices in the car is only allowed if they are in a holder, or if the vehicle is stationary or parked while the phone is being used.
Be vigilant and think about safety, yours and the others!
Source: www.politie.be