IT only takes one second to look at a notification ping up on your phone.

But in that time, you could kill innocent cyclists and walkers ‘enjoying the countryside in Oxfordshire’.

That is the stark warning from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service this month as they team up with police to make using a phone behind the wheel ‘completely socially unacceptable’.

Research shows that using a mobile phone – even just to look at a text or answer a call on handsfree – is more dangerous than drink-driving.

In fact, you are twice as likely to be involved in a deadly crash if you are texting than if you are over the alcohol limit.

Andy Ford, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s community safety education manager, said: “The law changed in 2003 – it became illegal to drive and use a mobile phone, it’s been illegal for 18 years.

“Smoking, not wearing a seatbelt – they all became socially unacceptable.

“But far too many people still think using their phone while driving is okay.

“We are so used to being connected as a society on our mobile phones. People have music, social media, Sat-Navs, texts, shopping – that’s all fine, we use our phones for everything but just put it into the glove compartment.

“We are trying to say to people, it’s not worth the risk, even just looking down for a second. The consequences can be horrific. We attend the collisions.

“We all remember that horrific crash on the A34 a couple of years ago with the lorry driver who collided and killed the whole family.

“It only takes a second. If you are tempted to look at notifications that ping put it in the glove compartment or on airplane mode.”

He added: “It’s scary what people think they can do while driving. They may be overconfident; they think they can concentrate on both things at the same time.

“Some people argue, ‘what’s the difference between using my phone and having a passenger in the car?’

“Well, generally a passenger stops talking when you go to make a manoeuvre but on a phone they’re still talking and you’re not fully concentrating on the road.”

According to the Crown Prosecution Service drivers caught using their phones could face a fine of £200 and six penalty points.

Mr Ford said: “With less traffic on the roads now people are using their phones on essential journeys. Where they were stuck in traffic jams before they are now speeding because there are not as many cars on the road.

“We saw a big increase in collisions coming out of the first lockdown.

“It might be where people are rusty or overconfident on the roads.

“As restrictions start to relax it’s just to remember to take into consideration other road users.

"We are sharing the roads with more walkers and cyclists now as people get out to enjoy the Oxfordshire countryside.

“There are a lot more hazards on the roads.”

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