Danger on the road:
Updated data, collected in the police database, indicate an alarming increase in the number of Israeli drivers caught with the cellphone in hand.
While the mobile phone is an integral part of our lives, however, the law prohibits using it while driving, as it has been proven in the past that dealing with cell phones distracts the driver and is even considered a leading cause of fatal road accidents.
And yet, according to data from the traffic department of the police obtained by "Israel Today", it appears that in the first half of 2021 there was a 16% increase in offenses of using the phone while driving.
From the beginning of January to the end of June, 89,859 offenses of driving with a mobile phone were committed, compared to 77,254 in the corresponding period in 2020.
The law states that the mere fact that a driver is holding a cell phone while driving is an offense, and there is no difference at all whether the driver is talking on the phone, operating Wise or sending a text message.
The amount of the fine for using the phone while driving is NIS 1,000 and 8 points.
The offense is enforced throughout the year through still cameras, cops in overt and covert vehicles and riders of the National Motorcycle Patrol.
According to traffic department data, some drivers repeat the offense over and over again, even though they have been caught and fined.
For example, in the last six months, one driver has had eight reports of mobile phone use, two drivers have been caught six times, 12 drivers have had five reports, 58 drivers have received four reports and 378 drivers have been caught three times in six months. .
In terms of urban distribution, it can be seen that in Jerusalem in the first half of the year 8,247 reports were distributed (compared to 6,211 in this period last year). In Tel Aviv-Yafo, 3,318 reports were recorded (compared to 1,613), while Rishon Lezion drivers were fined 2,444.
2,276 reports were given in Haifa, 1,271 in Rehovot, 1,261 in Be'er Sheva, 945 in Yavne, and 774 reports were recorded in Ashkelon.
Of course, there is also a connection to the enforcement work of the police in the various areas.
However, the increase in numbers can be explained by the closure effect of 2020.
"Using a cell phone while driving is a serious offense. The lack of attention of drivers while driving while driving, creates a situation where the vehicle travels without a driver," said Sen. Hai Mizrahi, deputy chief of national traffic police in the traffic department. Not on the road, the vehicle can pass hundreds of meters where the driver does not notice what is happening.
"Drivers who use a mobile phone while driving disregard traffic laws and disregard human life, they just do not see who is around them."