Hampshire police video shows distracted drivers

An LGV driver brushing his teeth at the wheel is one of several pieces of video footage released by police to demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving.

The five-day operation by Hampshire constabulary, which relied on officers using a video camera in an unmarked Scania, led to 227 driving offences being detected.

A total of 25 truck drivers were witnessed using their mobile phones, with another six distracted in other ways.

In one case a driver is clearly seen holding a toothbrush and cleaning his teeth, while holding a bottle of water in his other hand.

Another piece of footage shows a driver doodling on a pad while attempting to drive.

“Distracted driving is proven to be a significant factor in many of the collisions on our roads,” said Sergeant Paul Diamond, who co-coordinated the operation. “The vast majority were holding phones in their lap and accessing applications or texting with their hands held low. This is incredibly dangerous both for the motorist and for other road users.”

The footage can be seen on YouTube.

The faces of the offending drivers have been obscured to prevent them being identified, as police say each still has the right to contest the prosecution.