Drivers have been warned about an emergency alert set to come through on their phones this month, amid concern that it could cause 'panic' on the roads.
The Government announced last month that mobile phone users across the UK will receive a siren-like warning message as it tests a new public alert system on Sunday, April 23. The system, which is modelled after similar schemes already in place in the likes of the US and Canada, is intended to be used in life-threatening situations such as flooding, wildfires or extreme weather.
The alert will appear on phone home screens, along with a loud warning sound and vibration, and users will be left unable to use other features on their device until they acknowledge it. But the RAC has raised concerns over how the sudden warning will impact drivers on the road, The Mirror reports.
READ MORE: The car tax changes you need to know this April as prices rise
The motoring organisation has met with the Government in order to discuss how to mitigate crashes when the alert comes through. It is understood that motorway signs will be used in the lead-up to the alert test, advising drivers not to check or use their phones.
But Edmund King, president of the AA, questioned the decision to test the alert it on a day when 'Sunday drivers' – those who are less experienced motorists – take to the roads. "If they have the phone in the car and an odd sound goes off there could be some form of panic," he warned.
"Even with a hands-free system, the odd sound could mean they reach for the phone. So there's no doubt there's a a threat of distraction for some drivers," Mr King added. Drivers can be slapped with six penalty points and a £200 fine if they hold and use a phone while on the road.
The Government urges that motorists "should not read or otherwise respond to an emergency alert" while at the wheel, and should instead find somewhere "safe and legal" to stop before reading the message. "If there is nowhere safe or legal to stop close by, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, tune into live radio and wait for bulletins until you can find somewhere safe and legal to stop," the gov.uk website advises.
People who do not wish to receive the emergency alerts will be able to opt out in their device settings, but officials hope the life-saving potential of the messages means that users will keep them on. The warnings will only ever come from the Government or emergency services, and they will include the details of the area affected as well as provide instructions about how best to respond.
READ NEXT:
Warning as Highway Code rule change could see dog owners hit with £5,000 fine
Virgin Media sends simple 'hack' to customers for boosting broadband speeds
NHS list of anxiety signs in children, what parents can do, and when you should see your GP
WhatsApp users warned about terrifying text used by scammers to hack into phones
Mrs Hinch cleaning fans share best way to remove tomato stains from clothes - for free
