POLICE have issued a video of a driver on his mobile phone who slammed into the back of a Land Rover.

The footage was recorded on Mark Loughlin's own dash cam ahead of the collision on a roundabout in Somerset.

Loughlin, 50, admitted driving without due care and attention after causing the crash while using his mobile phone.

He was sentenced at Bath Magistrates' Court earlier this month to a £482 fine, nine penalty points and must pay £110 costs and a £48 victim surcharge.

The incident took place at about 1.15pm on September 29 last year as Loughlin, from Yate, drove his Citroen Relay on the A370.

Shortly after the East Brent roundabout his mobile phone rang.

He can be heard saying: Hang on" as he attempts to connect the phone to his Bluetooth hands free kit.

He than collides with the Land Rover Discovery after failing to notice that it was stationary and indicating right to turn into Old Bristol Road.

The driver of the Discovery, a woman in her 60s, was initially trapped in her vehicle and was later taken to hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Loughlin suffered no injuries. Both cars suffered significant damage.

PC Owen Davies, investigating officer, said: “The shocking footage of this incident clearly illustrates the dangers of driving whilst distracted.

"An innocent motorist suffered significant injuries. We are fortunate not to be talking fatalities.

“Driver distraction is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ main causes of serious injuries and death on the roads.

"Research shows that drivers using a phone – handheld or hands free – are four times more likely to be involved in a collision and their driving is impaired to a degree similar to that of a drink driver.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO.

  • Switch your phone off completely whilst driving.
  • Download and use an App that blocks calls – you can also send a message to any callers that you are driving, and relax in the knowledge that the vast majority of people support not using a mobile phone whilst driving.
  • Use a mobile phone blocking pouch.
  • Put your phone away in the glove compartment or boot.
  • Never consider drive-time as an opportunity to catch up on emails or social media or have a chat with friends and family.
  • Follow the conversation #StandingUpForHangingUp on social media and make a public pledge not to use a phone while driving.
  • Motorists seen driving dangerously or causing concern can be reported immediately by calling 999 (101 for non-emergency).
  • Dashcam, mobile phone or other on-board camera footage capturing road related offences can be uploaded by clicking HERE.