Starting on Aug. 2, Serbian police to step up control of illegal use of phones by drivers

Starting on August 2 and through the end of the summer vacation season, the Ministry of Interior (MUP) of Serbia will implement measures to strengthen controls regarding the illegal use of phones and other communication devices by drivers.

The Law on Road Traffic Safety envisages a fixed fine of 10,000 dinars (85 euros) in such cases.

While sanctioning drivers who use their phones or other communications devices contrary to the law, the traffic police will also consistently take action against any person found not to be wearing a seat belt while driving a motor vehicle, in the manner intended by the vehicle manufacturer, both in the front, and in the back seats.

The traffic police will also take action towards all drivers who transport children in an unlawful manner.

According to studies conduced by the Traffic Safety Agency, about 5.7 percent of drivers in the Republic of Serbia use their phones in an illegal manner while driving.

At the same time, there is a trend of this violation increasing, as nearly 25,000 drivers have been sanctioned in the first six months of this year, up 13 percent compared to 2018.

Worldwide studies have shown that talking on the phone while driving increases the risk of road accidents four-fold, while writing and reading text messages increases that risk eight times.

(Source: Telegraf.rs)