Motorists are being urged not to use their mobile phones while driving.

‘Switch off before you drive off' is the focus of this month's Pembrokeshire rural road safety campaign.

The campaign was launched earlier this year by Pembrokeshire's County Council's Road Safety Team to highlight the dangers on rural roads.

After targeting speeding the campaign is now focusing on the use of mobiles.

"Mobile phones have many benefits. They provide security and can be a great help in an emergency. But tests have shown a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or text message," said Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning.

"If people are distracted, they will not register road hazards or react quickly. A conversation on a hands-free phone is no less distracting than using a hand-held one.

"On all roads and particularly Pembrokeshire rural roads drivers need to give a full attention to driving for the safety sake of all road users."

John Gobbi, Road Safety Officer said it was illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving and motorists who were caught doing so faced a £60 plus three penalty points on their licence, which could lead to higher insurance costs.

"You don't have to be caught many times to be disqualified. If you get just six points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence under the New Drivers Act," he said.

"You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle."

He said the only time a driver can use a mobile while driving is to make a 999 or 112 call in a genuine emergency when it would be unsafe or impractical to stop to make the call.

"The best advice is to switch off before you drive off," he said.