Video Shows Dangers Of Using Your Phone While Driving Can Have Devastating Consequences

A hard hitting video shows how motorists could be seconds away from a disaster if they use a phone while they are driving.

The video has been released by Staffordshire Police and shows how reaction time is slowed down if the driver is distracted, which could be the difference between being involved in an accident and stopping in time.

It has been designed to make people think twice about using their phones while they are driving as the reactions are slower when they are multi-tasking.

The video shows a PCSO and a firefighter both playing a game designed to test their reactions.

It involves a machine which lights up, with the two required to react by touching it when it does.

At first they keep up as they have no distractions, which sees the firefighter hit the light 39 times and the PCSO 34.

They then do the test again but this time while trying to answer quick-fire questions, which are designed to distract them. And the results are different.

Doing both things at the same time saw the firefighter react slower as he only manages to hit the light 36 times. The PCSO also drops in the amount of lights he hits with a total of 27.

The video shows how any distraction can result in lower reaction time - which when on the roads could lead to an accident - and mean the difference between life and death.

The telling video has been shared by Staffordshire Police on social media with the post: "Think using your phone whilst driving isn't a serious issue?

"We put firefighter Jack from @staffsfire and PCSO Richard to the challenge to test how their reactions slowed when doing more than one thing at a time; much like driving and using your phone."

It is against the law to use a hand-held phone while driving, which includes being stationary if the engine is running.

This offence carries a standard fine of £200 and six penalty points, with a maximum of up to £1,000 and six points on a driving licence.