Avon and Somerset Police officers are seen chasing a driver in a viral video during a nationwide operation to tackle phone use while driving.

In a bold operation to combat the dangers of mobile phone use while driving, mounted officers from Avon and Somerset Police were seen chasing down a motorist caught using his phone at the wheel. This action is part of a broader enforcement initiative launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) aimed at reducing the number of drivers distracted by mobile devices.

The operation, which spans three weeks, involves coordinated efforts from police forces nationwide to tackle the growing issue of drivers using mobile phones or similar devices while on the road. Avon and Somerset Police reported that over 4,500 accidents involving fatalities or injuries have occurred on the region’s roads since 2021, underlining the urgency of addressing distracted driving.

A video shared by the Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Unit (RPU) shows two officers on horseback chasing a vehicle after observing the driver using his phone. The incident occurred on March 7 in East Reach, Taunton. Upon stopping the vehicle, one officer told the driver, “You know you shouldn’t be using your phone.” The driver, who claimed he had a problem and wasn’t using the phone for music, was confronted with the fact that a phone call was ongoing.

The video also reminded viewers that using a mobile phone while driving could result in a £200 fine and 6 penalty points on the driver’s licence. The video went viral, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the police to combat mobile phone distractions behind the wheel.

It is unclear whether any further action was taken against the driver.