Motorists warned not to turn off emergency alert while driving

Motorists have been warned not to turn off their phone’s emergency alert while driving, or they may face a hefty fine.

It comes as the government plans to test its new UK Emergency Alert Service later this month.

The “siren-like” alert is designed to warn people of nearby life-threatening emergencies, such as flooding, fires, or extreme weather.

At 3pm on Sunday, April 23, mobile phone masts across the UK will broadcast the alert to all compatible mobile phones within range, even if they are on silent mode, reports The Mirror.

James Armstrong, CEO of temporary car insurance provider Veygo, has warned drivers against switching the alert off whilst driving to avoid putting themselves and other road users in danger.

If you do turn it off whilst driving and get caught – you will face six points and a fine.

iPhone or Android phones with the latest software update, with access to 4G or 5G networks, will receive a 10-second message on the home screen alongside a loud warning sound and vibration.

According to government advice, you shouldn’t read or respond to an emergency alert whilst driving.

The advice listed on the official page instructs motorists to keep driving and not respond to the noise, or attempt to pick up the phone to switch it off.

The Highway Code states it is illegal to use a hand-held device (phone, sat-nav, tablet, or device) while driving, including holding a phone, sending a text, calling, taking photos or videos, or browsing the web.

This includes when you are stationary at traffic lights, in traffic, supervising a learner driver, in flight mode, or controlling a vehicle with a stop-start motor.

As the notification requires you to switch it off manually, touching your phone could put you in violation of rule 149, which could result in you being stopped by a police officer, fined £200, given up to six penalty points, and potentially even taken to court and banned from driving or fined up to £1000.

Instead, when it is safe, find somewhere legal to stop your car before reading the message, or if possible, ask a passenger to clear the notification off for you.

There is a way to turn alerts off if you think they might be distracting, however, but it is not recommended.

To opt-out, search for “emergency alerts” in your settings and turn off “severe alerts” or “extreme alerts”.

It is advisable to keep them on though, for your overall safety.