Next week a loud siren-like noise will sound from all UK phones as the government tests its emergency alert system, including the devices of those who are behind the wheel.
The emergency alert test is due to take place at 3pm on Sunday, April 23, and could be a major distraction for motorists.
However, James Armstrong of car insurance provider Veygo has urged drivers not to switch the alert off while behind the wheel, as they would be breaking the law.
James explains that the notification requires you to switch it off manually, touching your phone could put you in violation of rule 149 of the Highway Code.
The rule states that it's illegal to use a hand-held device such as a phone or sat-nav while driving and could see a motorist hit with a £200 fine and up to six penalty points. Drivers could potentially even be taken to court and banned from driving or fined up to £1,000.
The UK Government advice states: "You should not read or otherwise respond to an emergency alert whilst driving or riding a motorcycle."
It continues: "If you are driving, you should continue to drive and not respond to the noise or attempt to pick up the mobile phone and deal with the message. 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."
If you're planning a journey in your car on April 23 and are concerned that the alert might prove a distraction from the road, you can opt-out.
To opt out, search for 'emergency alerts' in your settings and turn off 'severe alerts' or 'extreme alerts'.
You must do this before you get behind the wheel. However, it’s advisable to keep them on for your own safety.
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