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Hundreds of drivers caught using iPads, applying makeup and brushing teeth

A police operation has revealed a surprising number of unusual and dangerous tasks UK drivers perform while at the wheel.

Police caught drivers brushing their teeth, putting on make-up, wet-shaving and reading a newspaper during a five day campaign. One van driver was even seen to be reading a map at the wheel, while two others were caught playing with their iPads ─ presumably a spot of Candy Crush.

Out of the 198 motoring offences prosecuted by Thames Valley and Hampshire Police as part of Operation Tramline, most were fined £100 and given three points on their licence for driving while distracted.

Most cases were said to involve mobile phone use. The exercise took place on the M27, M3, A34, M4 and M40.

Knowing drivers often rest gadgets on their lap to hide their actions from prying eyes, cops cleverly used an unmarked Scania lorry cab, videoing drivers below as it passed by,

“Many of the people stopped agreed with the police action and were very embarrassed having been caught on their phones,” Sgt Paul Dimond said. “The vast majority were holding phones in their lap and accessing applications or texting with their hands held low – this can be very dangerous.”

“These offences are being committed by otherwise law abiding and hardworking people. Unfortunately it is that same group of people that are being hurt as a result of the accidents,” he added.

Research by Direct Line from August 2012 said distracted motorists cause 921,840 crashes per year, with a number of cases attributed to men and women checking out attractive people while driving past.

Keep your eyes on the prize, people – the prize being the road ahead and not your phone or someone’s backside.

Image: Flickr 

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