HAMPSHIRE police have joined a nationwide crackdown following the deaths of four family members who were killed when an Andover lorry driver collided into a queue of cars on the A34 recently.

The campaign, which focused on drivers using their phone while behind the wheel, launched this week.

It follows the death of four family members who were killed instantly when lorry driver, Tomasz Kroker, ploughed into a queue of cars on the A34.

Kroker, from Trajan Walk, was jailed for 10 years at Reading Crown Court after admitting to causing death by dangerous driving near East Ilsley on August 10.

Dashcam footage showed he was on his phone at the time of the crash and Kroker admitted he was changing music on his phone.

Roads Policing Officers from the Joint Operations Unit carried out operations stopping drivers caught using their phones, issuing penalties, as well as educating motorists about the dangers of distraction.

A total of 15 per cent of all fatal collision in Hampshire involved the driver being distracted or using a mobile phone.

The last campaign focusing on mobile phones took place in May and saw 190 people caught – an increase of 36 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Hampshire Constabulary’s road safety sergeant, Rob Heard, said: “You are four times more likely to be involved in a collision whilst using a mobile phone or being distracted in a vehicle.

“Unfortunately far too many people are still deciding to take that risk and the consequences of these actions can cause devastation, as we have recently seen with the case on the A34 and a lorry driver being distracted by his phone. 

“The video in this case clearly showed the driver looking at his phone then looking ahead numerous times.

“This clearly showed how he was distracted, even though he was looking ahead several times he still did not see what was happening ahead, namely the slowing stationary traffic.

“By the time he did realise it was too late and four innocent people lost their lives.

“This crash was completely avoidable and people need to remember that a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. 

“My advice is to turn your phone off whilst driving, put it out of reach, and out of view.

“This way you won't be tempted to look at it and become distracted.

“It's not worth the risk.”

Drivers can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding and get three penalty points on their licence and a fine of £100.

They could also face being disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000, and bus or good vehicle drivers could get a maximum fine of £2,500.