A new THINK! campaign to highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone when driving has been launched by the road safety minister, Jim Fitzpatrick.

The £1.5m campaign, featuring a new radio advert as well as the hard-hitting television advert launched last year, will remind drivers to switch off before getting behind the wheel.

It is timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the introduction of tougher penalties for using a mobile phone when driving.

"Talking on a mobile phone when driving is distracting and affects your ability to react to dangerous situations, making you four times more likely to have a crash,” Minister Fitzpatrick said.

"That is why we increased the penalty for illegally using a mobile when driving to three penalty points and a £60 fine.

"Our latest research shows the message is getting through to drivers but some people are still needlessly risking their own lives and putting others in danger for the sake of a phone call.

"I urge all drivers to switch off or go to voicemail before they drive off."