POLICE in the region are cracking down on motorists who use their mobile phones at the wheel as part of a national week of action.

Despite the obvious dangers and potential for prosecution, Durham Police say they are still seeing motorists flouting the law and using their phones while driving.

The Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (CDSOU) is supporting a national campaign to target those drivers in a bid to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities caused by motorists being distracted by their mobiles.

The campaign will be carried out across the region, with officers seeking to educate drivers and enforce the law where appropriate.

The use of mobile phones whilst driving is recognised as a major contributory factor in crashes.

It is one of the so-called 'Fatal Four' factors that, along with speeding, drink driving and not wearing a seatbelt, are most commonly associated with fatal traffic incidents.

However, the growth in the use of smart phones is being highlighted as a possible reason for the increased use of the phone in the car.

Drivers are now not only tempted to make and answer calls but also to answer and send emails as well as respond to social network site alerts.

This has increased the likelihood of drivers being distracted and therefore the risk of being involved in a serious crash is increasing.

Chief Inspector, Graham Milne, from CDSOU, said: “We cannot stress enough how serious an offence this is.

“It only takes seconds of being distracted at the wheel to cause a serious collision which can cause catastrophic effects.

“Last year across Cleveland and Durham we saw 36 fatal collisions, many of them with contributing factors such as drivers using their mobile phones.

“Be in no doubt, you can kill someone. Our message is simple – put the phone away while driving.”

Police warn it is illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving - even when stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. Offenders face six penalty points and a £200 fine.