Emergency services in Tipperary have slammed motorists who were using a scene of a crash for 'likes and shares' on social media.
Motorists were reportedly slowing down and using their mobile phones to take pictures and videos of a road traffic collision in Clonmel on Tuesday.
In a statement posted to social media, the Tipperary Fire and Rescue team said, "During an RTC in Clonmel earlier this evening, crews unfortunately observed a large number of drivers using their mobile phones to video or photograph the scene as they passed.
"Not only is this activity illegal but also increases the risk of another accident at the scene by drivers focusing their attention on incident proceedings instead of the road.
"We urge all drivers to drive responsibly and not to use their phones whilst driving, especially at the scene of an incident."
Local Gardai in Tipperary shared the Fire and Rescue service's statement, saying that the consequences of such actions are "not worth the likes and shares on social media".
A spokesperson said: "We echo the sentiments of our blue light colleagues in Tipperary Fire and Rescue who reported observing motorists filming while driving the scene of a collision in the county yesterday.
"These actions put emergency personnel at the scene and other road users at risk due to lack of concentration.
"Three penalty points and an €80 fine is not worth the likes and shares on social media."
According to the RSA website, it is illegal to be on your phone whilst driving unless you're calling emergency services.
If the Gardaí charge you with a mobile and driving offence, you will get a fixed charged notice of up to €80.
If you pay the fixed charge you will get three penalty points.
If you choose not to pay the fixed charge and are then convicted in court you will get 5 penalty points and a fine of up to €2,000.
The maximum amount of penalty points you can receive before your license is suspended is 12, with that number sitting considerably lower on 7 for learner drivers.
