23 April 2023 , 10:33
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Drivers have been reminded not to respond to the Government’s emergency alert if they are behind the wheel when the nationwide test goes off today.
Everybody’s phone in the UK ping at 3pm with the warning as part of a test by the government which “could save people’s lives”.
It mirrors existing schemes in countries such as the US and Japan and in the future will sound in the event of life-threatening situations such as floods and wildfires.
However, many people may be driving when it goes off and have been reminded to ignore it, or potentially face a fine and six points on your licence.
Drivers should ignore the message or risk a fine and penalty points (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The government’s advice says: “When you get an alert, stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.
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If you’re driving or riding when you get an alert do not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding.
“Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there’s nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency.
“It’s illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding.”
James Armstrong, CEO of temporary car insurance provider Veygo, previously warned drivers against switching the alert off whilst driving to avoid putting themselves and other road users in danger.
The Highway Code states it is illegal to use a hand-held device (phone, Sat Nav, tablet, or device) while driving, including holding a phone, sending a text, calling, taking photos or videos, or browsing the web.
This includes when you're stationary at traffic lights, in traffic, supervising a learner driver, in flight mode, or controlling a vehicle with a stop-start motor.
As the notification requires you to switch it off manually, touching your phone could put you in violation of rule 149, which could result in you being stopped by a police officer, fined £200, given up to six penalty points, and potentially even taken to court and banned from driving or fined up to £1,000.
Instead, when it is safe, find somewhere legal to stop your car before reading the message, or if possible, ask a passenger to clear the notification off for you.
People can opt out by searching for emergency alerts in settings and turning off 'severe alerts' or 'extreme alerts'.