Idiot drivers caught texting, feet up and steering with knees on M42

Police looking for dangerous drivers on one of the West Midlands' busiest motorways have spotted some right wallies. Warwickshire Police, employing an unmarked HGV, spotted a driver navigating with his knees while using his mobile phone during a clampdown on reckless driving.

One haulier was seen relaxing with their feet up on the dash, evidently distracted by their phone. Over four days, from 22-26 July this year, Warwickshire^[1] Police nabbed a total of 129 drivers for various offences on the M40, M42 and A46, utilising the inconspicuous lorry for observation.

No fewer than 95 offences caught were linked to mobile phone use behind the wheel. Additional infringements included speeding, neglecting seatbelts, and operating vehicles under the influence. Startling footage from the M40 captures a driver, who while towing a horsebox, deftly manages his Isuzu 4x4 using only his knees, phone in hand.

An officer's commentary can be heard in the video: "He's got his mobile phone and he's driving with no hands actually, at the moment," followed by a sarcastic quip: "He's doing very well."

Casualty of comfort, another lorry operator features in the captured footage nonchalantly placed phone call, feet poised on dashboard.

A Ford Fiesta driver wasn't immune to the temptation either, as they were filmed scrolling through their phone on the M42.

From stationary misdemeanours to moving violations, a van driver was also recorded texting amidst a pause at traffic signals.

Aside from the mobile-related misdemeanours, officers recorded 44 instances of drivers without seatbelts during the initiative.

Dubbed Operation Tramline, this effort by Warwickshire Police and National Highways aims to rein in vehicular indiscipline.

Sergeant Scott Good, who took charge of the operation, expressed disbelief over the casual attitude of many motorists towards mobile phone usage, seatbelt adherence, and adhering to speed limits.

"These are not 'good' drivers as they have chosen to do this when they have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe on the roads."

National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Coordinator Marie Biddulph expressed her concerns, saying: "It is disappointing when we see the number of people still driving inappropriately on our roads."

She also highlighted the dangers by stating: "Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a collision if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seatbelt."

References

1. ^{^} Warwickshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Sentences to youngest killers reviewed (www.birminghammail.co.uk)