DRIVERS across the UK have been issued an urgent warning ahead of a 10-second siren alert that will be tested today.
Mobile phones and tablets connected to 4G or 5G networks are expected to emit a loud, siren-like sound and vibrate for 10 seconds – even if they are set to silent.
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But as drivers should already know, using a hand-held device while driving is illegal and can result in a £200 fine and six penalty points – even if the alert occurs while they are behind the wheel.
Indeed, according to the Manchester Evening News, motorists are being urged to remain calm, focus on driving and to not pick up their device when it happens.
The test, which takes place at 3pm, merely aims to ensure the system works effectively during emergencies.
The system has already been used successfully in real-life scenarios and has been tested nationally once before.
The AA has advised drivers to simply acknowledge the alert safely by waiting until they are parked with the engine off before responding to it.
The only way the alert will not sound on your device is if it is connected only to a 2G or 3G network instead of 4G or 5G, or if the device is unable to connect to mobile networks at all.
What’s more, devices running older versions of iOS released before May 2021 or Android released before September 2020 will not be able to receive the alert.
And of course, if your device is turned off or you happen to be overseas, you will also not receive the alert.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “We support the testing of the emergency alerts system, which is an important tool the government uses to keep people safe in a crisis.
“On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road.
“As always, only check your phone when you’re parked safely with the engine turned off.”
And Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, added: “Over eight million people have already safely received emergency alerts in real-life scenarios, including floods and extreme storms.
“Emergency alerts help us deliver lifesaving advice in an emergency, which is why it’s so important we test the system, to make sure we can keep the country safe when lives are on the line.”
Elsewhere, a change to the Highway Code that came into effect some three years ago is still catching out millions of drivers, according to a report.
Worse still, breaking this newish rule could result in hefty penalties – including up to nine points on a driving licence and, in extreme cases, a £5,000 fine.
In early 2022, the Highway Code was tweaked and saw motorists forced to give priority to pedestrians waiting to cross at junctions, not just those already crossing.
This means that every junction with a pavement is effectively a pedestrian crossing.
But it seems many drivers remain unaware of this rule and often ignore waiting pedestrians – which, in turn, leaves them at risk of being charged with careless driving if an accident occurs.
Indeed, the maximum penalty for careless driving is nine points on a driving licence and an eye-watering £5,000 fine.
