A targeted mobile phone operation is being conducted by An Garda Síochaná over the coming days.

Gardaí have said that all distracted driving, such as using or holding a mobile phone whilst driving is a high risk activity for all road users.

Over 28,000 drivers have been caught holding a mobile phone while driving in 2015, which is an average of 76 per day.

The offence of holding a mobile phone carries a fixed charge of three penalty points and an €80 fine, if paid within 28 days.

Drivers are advised that an offence is committed when “holding a mobile phone while driving”. This can be in the hand or supporting or cradling it with another part of the body, i.e. between the neck and shoulder.

Gardaí say “it is not a requisite that a person is actually engaged in a conversation”.

Similarly “a person texting, or accessing the internet/ emails etc, is committing an offence if “holding” the device as outlined above”.

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid said: “Distracted driving causes collisions, and using or holding a mobile phone whilst driving, is a prime example of distracted driving.

“Our appeal, and why we are advertising this operation in advance, is for drivers to modify their driving. Switch off before you drive off…no call, text or email is that important that you risk your or someone else’s life”.