Drivers are being warned not to pick up their mobile phones when the government runs a nationwide test of its new emergency alert service this weekend. The AA is urging anyone who may be driving at the time to switch off their device before setting off to avoid a hefty fine.
UK law currently bans the use of handheld phones while driving a vehicle. That means anyone who is caught turning off the emergency alert when it goes off at 3pm on Sunday, April 23, while driving will be breaking the law.
Drivers who are caught holding a phone behind the wheel face six penalty points and a £200 fine.
READ MORE: Emergency alert system to be tested this week - date, time, what it is and how to opt out
The siren-like alert sound will go off for around 10 seconds on all smartphones and tablets that have alerts enabled and are compatible with 4G or 5G. The system is being tested so that in the future it can warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby, for example due to flooding.
AA campaigns manager Lorna Lee said the test is “very welcome” as the system “could be very useful in certain situations”. But she added that it does "bring certain risks".
“For drivers in particular, awareness of the test is vital to avoid any panic when it sounds," she explained. “If you are driving when the alert sounds, you must not touch your phone to stop the alert as the normal driving laws still apply. Instead, wait for a safe place to pull over – not the hard shoulder nor emergency area – acknowledge the alert and continue your journey."
She added: “Some drivers may prefer to switch their phone off in advance if they know they will be driving during the alert test.”
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “We don’t envisage any panic among drivers with this test as the plans have been pretty well publicised and the phone tone will only sound for a short time. However, it’s worth drivers being aware that the alert will interrupt any hands-free calls they may be making, as well as take over the car screen for anyone using their phone as a satnav or for playing music or podcasts.”
The system is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan. The UK’s alerts will initially be used to warn people about severe weather situations including floods and wildfires in their local area.
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