When you’re behind the wheel of a car, it’s always important to be completely aware of what’s going on around you. However, in an age where people are glued to their mobile phones, it’s become increasingly common for their attention to be stolen away when they need it most.
In areas surrounding schools or child-friendly parks, it’s something that can have disastrous consequences. A child runs out into the road and all it takes is for one driver to be glancing down at their phone…
With that in mind, police in Bethesda, Maryland, decided to take a tough stance on drivers who use their phones whilst at the wheel. Their method was one no one was ready for…
One morning, drivers in Bethesda, Maryland, encountered a homeless man standing by the side of the road. He was dressed roughly and holding in his hands a sign that delivered a few short words.
By the time most drivers were able to read the words on the sign, it was already too late.
On the sign the man held in his hands, it said: “I’m not homeless. I am a Montgomery County police officer looking for cell phone texting violations.”
It was part of a so-called “sting operation” wherein police workers went undercover to catch drivers when they were least expecting it.
The officer standing at the side of the road was equipped with a wireless mic. When drivers drove past using their cellphones, he gave their car’s description to fellow officers further up the road who could then complete a stop.
The teams would flag down drivers in violation of vehicle-based cell phone laws.
The sting was performed just as a new school term began, as there was a heightened risk of children being on the roads. In total, 31 fines and 9 warnings were distributed to people who had been using their mobile phones while driving.
Some of the drivers were less than happy with being caught, and had all manner of excuses as to why they were using their cell phones. Other, more sensible, people got the message loud and clear: Safety comes first!
In the clip below, you can see some of the people being flagged by the police:
https://youtu.be/fBkEojcC_hY
What do you think about the police’s scheme to catch drivers on their cell phones? Let us know in the comments box!
Please share this story if you think cell phone use while behind the wheel of a car should be stopped once and for all.
