Drivers caught watching YouTube videos on A47 in Norfolk

They were spotted during Operation Tramline which involved officers driving "HGV tractor units" to look directly into lorry cabs and on to offending motorists. The operation was carried out on the A47 and A11 from March 1 to March 8 with a total of 132 vehicles being stopped and 137 offences uncovered. As well as the YouTube fans, a woman was found to be doing her makeup at the wheel, leaning on her steering wheel and using the rear-view mirror.

A lorry driver was spotted filming a police operation on his phone while driving. Of the total offences, 10 were for using a mobile phone while driving, 22 for not wearing a seatbelt and 19 offences were dished out for uninsured vehicles. A total of 96 Traffic Offence Reports were issued as a result with three people arrested.

Sergeant Ade Hales, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "It is totally unacceptable to watch a television programme, film or music video while driving on a road, especially in these cases which were on a dual carriageway. "People must keep their full concentration on the task at hand, driving, and not engaging or interacting with any devices. "There is growing popularity of Facetime, WhatsApp and Snapchat video calls, with YouTube streaming live and recorded content which poses a significant risk and danger to other road users.

"Not only are you taking your own life into your own hands, but that of others as well. "We will always prosecute such offences. The safest thing to do is to wait until you have stopped and parked safely before interacting with any device."

Drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel could receive a GBP200 fine and six points on their licence.

References

1. ^ Man jailed for 'sadistic' sex attack on horse at animal sanctuary (www.edp24.co.uk)