Ahead of the Government’s testing of its Emergency Alerts System at 3pm today (Sunday), The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging road users to leave their phone alone if the alarm sounds while they are in control of a moving vehicle.
The Government set up the Emergency Alert scheme to alert people when there’s a danger to life, health, or property in the area they are located. When the alert runs, people will hear a loud siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds and a message will appear on the screen until the alert is acknowledged.
Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “If the Emergency Alert System sounds when you are in control of a moving vehicle, resist the urge to look at or pick up your phone and continue driving as normal. If you do feel the need to look at your phone, find a safe and legal place to pull over first.
“While technology is an enabling and helpful tool for road users, we do need to be aware of the distraction risks it can pose. We know that in 2021, around 600 people in the UK were injured in road traffic collisions where the driver was using a mobile phone (1), with the potential for many more being unreported. The message here is simple – be aware the alert is coming, and if you are in control of a vehicle when it does, do not pick up your phone.”
The public has also been advised to keep the alert in mind when doing potentially risky activities around the home.
Ashley Martin, Public Health Advisor at RoSPA, said: “The Emergency Alert System’s principle aim is to test the effectiveness of their warning procedure via devices such as smartphones or tablets. Of course, the Government’s intention isn’t to cause harm or accidents as it would defeat its purpose, but It may be a good idea to avoid certain activities around the time it is scheduled to go off.”
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
“For instance, people may wish to avoid any household DIY tasks involving power tools, climbing a ladder or anything that requires uninterrupted concentration and could lead to injury if startled.”
“Just in case people haven’t heard about the emergency alert system, it would also be advisable to remind vulnerable loved ones, or those who have a limited grasp of technology, of the alert, so that it doesn’t come as a shock this Sunday at 3pm.”
