2024-03-19 10:38:00
A major problem requires major solutions. 174 euros and 15 days of immediate license withdrawal, this is now the “rate” in three judicial districts of the country for dangerous behavior that Belgians nevertheless continue to do. Proof of this is that the strong sanction did not deter everyone.
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We know that the use of GSM remains a scourge on our roads. But there is a big problem in Belgium: there is a huge disparity between regions, with drivers not being equal when it comes to punishment. Because in our country, it is the public prosecutor’s offices which decide on its priorities and which take their own directives. This explains why several prosecutors have adopted a strong approach by tightening their policy on distracted driving for several weeks.
This is particularly the case in Limburg. Since February 1, all motorists caught using their phone can have their driving license immediately revoked for 15 days coupled with a fine of 174 euros. “Any person handling their mobile phone or any other mobile device with a screen while driving a motor vehicle must immediately surrender their driving license for 15 days from February 1, 2024, after which a fine will also be imposed,” specified press magistrate Pieter Strauven. Note, however, that the sanction is more flexible when the smartphone is used at a traffic light. In this specific case, the permit is not withdrawn but the report is well drawn up.
“With our policy”
A threat which was not heard by everyone since, according to the figures put forward by le Importance of Limburg, nearly 280 driving licenses have already been withdrawn during this month and a half of tightening of the rule. “This represents an average of six permits per day,” explains Anja De Schutter, head of the “traffic” section of the Limburg public prosecutor’s office, to our colleagues. “With our policy, we want to contribute to awareness and hope to see this average decrease over time. »
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Be careful if you are caught using a mobile phone while driving: several prosecutors will use the strong method!
With this choice, the Limburg public prosecutor’s office and police want to send a clear message and contribute to road safety. “Distraction caused by using a cell phone while driving is a cause of some of the deadliest road accidents. According to studies, 8% of fatal accidents involve the use of a cell phone. In terms of victims, this represents 50 deaths and 4,500 injuries per year.
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