DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED

Driving should command full and uninterrupted attention at all times. Distractions of many forms diminish that attention, all too often, with deadly consequences. Let´s be clear, distractions come in many forms, from using a mobile phone, to simply listening to the radio, or engaging in a conversation.

A distraction might even be lighting a cigarette or taking a drink. The consequences are that distracted driving causes one in three fatal incidents in Spain.

In the last decade, distractions have caused 238,000 incidents with victims, more than 30,000 serious injuries and 6,200 deaths. And although the number of incidents caused by distractions has been reduced by 58%, its lethality has increased by 52%.

A report by the Fundación Línea Directa also includes speed as a compounding factor in the increase in mortality during episodes of distraction. Since 2019, fines for speeding have increased by 26%.

Distractions decrease alertness while driving and increase the risk of having an incident. According to the DGT, using a mobile phone at the wheel multiplies the risk of having an incident by four and sending a WhatsApp multiplies it by 23.

More than 13 million motorists (48%) admit to using a mobile phone regularly while driving and 600,000 confess to being 'addicts'. Proof that it is widely used is that in the last five years more than 500,000 fines have been imposed for driving while talking on a mobile.

The survey tells us that 76% of drivers, three out of four, admit to driving distracted with some frequency and 1.5% (1.5 million) almost always. It also concludes that distractions are reduced as we get older and those over 65 are the ones who are most attentive: up to ten times more than young people between 18 and 29 years of age. Drivers attribute these distractions to the advancement of technology (81%), the rise of mobile phones in society (57%) and daily stress (43%). But, on the other hand, when they are asked directly why they are distract-

More than 13 million motorists (48%) admit to using a mobile phone regularly while driving ed, the answers are different. 80% state that they are distracted by the 'voyeur effect' when an incident occurs, 79% by looking at the landscape or some landmark of interest, 72% by getting lost in their own thoughts, 52% by using the integrated GPS or in the mobile and 34% for reading WhatsApps or emails on the smartphone.

They also highlight distractions such as recording themselves with their mobile phones (13%), interacting on social networks (11%) and even putting on makeup (7%).

Since the last modification of the Road Safety Law, using a mobile phone manually is considered a serious offence and is punishable by a 200-euro fine and 6 less points on the driver's licence.

Connecting headphones/audio headphones or devices that affect attention is also a serious infraction that entails a fine of up to 200 euro and the withdrawal of 3 points.

The Church of JESUS

CHRISTof Latter-Day Saints in Torrevieja meet at 10.00 each Sunday in their chapel at Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia, 104. All Welcome. Phone or whatsapp the missionaries on 659 016 733

Join us at the SALTCHURCH

Sundays at 10.30 am. We are a friendly church, bible centred in our teaching and informal in our worship. Meets at Calle Daya Nueva 12, PolÌgono Ind. Levante 11, 03187 Los Montesinos. We look forward to meeting you. www.Saltchurchspain.

Facebook SaltChurchSpain

International Christian Assembly, Calle Urbano Arregui, 23, TorreviejaEvangelical non-denominational church. Sunday service 11a.m.; Sunday school; Prayer meetings; craft and computer clubs. Ladies Bible Study: Thursday 11a.m.

Church Bible Study: Thursday 1.30p.m. House groups in Torrevieja, La Siesta ñ Contact: 966 752 543 / 617 215 463. www.icatorrevieja.org

The Car of the Month at AUTOMOVILES CRESPO is a 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line

X Petrol Automatic which is priced at just 25,500 euro. Come along to our large showroom in Elche and see our vast range of new and used cars or call 96 666 22 60 for all our latest offers. See page7. We can assure you of the biggest and best in the area for price, choice and quality.

ENGLISH SPOKEN

Los Alc·zares Digital Camera Club. Interested in photography? We invite you to come and join us at our twice monthly meetings. Please contact coordinatorladcc@ gmail.com or see http://www.los-alcazarescamera.club/ for details.

THE COMMUNITYCARE

ASSN (CCA) is a charity that caters for residents of Orihuela Costa of all ages and nationalities. It facilitates the provision of fair and adequate social facilities for all, including the disabled and special needs.

Its drop-in social centre, at the Centro Civico Alameda Del Mar, is open twice a week for a programme of Englishspeaking activities, support and advice, with the support of Orihuela council.

Anyone wanting to join C.C.A. social activities, learn Spanish, have fun and games, just pop along where you will be welcomed by volunteers. We are open between 2pm6pm. Mondays and Wednesdays. Registration between 1.30pm and 2pm with Eva or Norah who can be found in the Cafe area. E: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur is here to help you with problem solving and well being for the over 50ís. We need volunteer Drivers and people to join our Home Visiting Team to visit a Residential Home, and take them out for a coffee. Call into our centre at C/Paganini s/n, Urb. La Siesta 03184 Torrevieja or ring 966 786 887. Or email: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es

Royal Naval Association, Torrevieja Branch now meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 5pm at the Lakeview bar/restaurant, Quesada. For more info contact Chairman Tony Jenkins on +44 7576 117 222, Secretary Steve Hemingfield 0n Mob/Whats 711 011 373 The RAFACosta Blanca RMG is a social group of caring people and remains affiliated to the parent Association. Contact with the RAFAand the RMG is via the RAFA website rafa.org.uk.