The dangers of using a mobile phone while driving will be highlighted this month as part of a road safety campaign by Herts police.

Using a mobile phone while driving is a leading cause of collisions and many of those result in serious injury or death.

Last year, more than a quarter of all collisions in Hertfordshire that involved a motorist who was using their mobile phone, ended in fatality or serious injury.

For this reason, Hertfordshire Constabulary is urging all motorists to put their mobile phones away and avoid unnecessary distractions.

Chief Inspector Stephen O'Keeffe, head of the tri-force Roads Policing Unit, said: "You might think glancing down at your phone is ok but not looking where you are driving is incredibly dangerous.

"At that moment you are not aware of what is happening around you. It only takes a second for circumstances to change and for you to be involved in a collision, either with another road user or a pedestrian.

"At a time when emergency services are under unprecedented strain, we must do everything in our power to look after ourselves and those around us. That includes not putting lives at risk by driving dangerously."

It is recommended that drivers put their phones on silent or better still, turn them off, and place them in the glove compartment before setting off.

Motorists who use their phone while driving face a minimum £200 fine and six points on their license.

These figures can be much higher if a case goes to court.

Offenders who passed their test within two years will be automatically disqualified from driving and will need to take their DVLA test again.

Chief Inspector Simon Tabert said: "There is no excuse for using your phone whilst driving.

"Even just taking your eyes off the road for a split second, for something as trivial as changing a song or switching radio stations, could have life-changing consequences – not just for you, but for other innocent road users or pedestrians too. It is never, ever worth the risk."