In the first two months of this year, almost 5,000 drivers were caught by gardaí holding their cell phone while driving.
This represents an increase of 24% in detections compared to the same period in 2018.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are urging drivers to put their cell phones away while driving so they can focus all their attention on the road.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said: “A 24% increase in detections for holding a mobile while driving is shocking but clearly, the Gardaí are working hard to stamp out the practice, and it should serve as a warning to those people who refuse to listen.
“Evidence shows that driver distraction is one of the major risk factors in causing road traffic collisions.”
“When you use your mobile phone behind the wheel, taking your mind and eyes off the road for just a split second can destroy everything forever.”
Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the RSA, expressed concern at the numbers of people who continue to use their cell phone when driving.
Ms Murdock said: “Using your mobile phone when driving makes you four times more likely to crash. Despite this, rational, intelligent people continue to text, make phone calls and check into their social media accounts.
“The offense of holding a mobile phone while driving is the second highest reason for a driver to receive penalty points, after speeding, and 81,199 penalty points notices for mobile phone usage were issued in the three-year period up to end of March 2019.
“Taking a call, sending a text or browsing while driving could kill you or some other innocent road user, putting the phone away won’t. Nothing is that urgent that it cannot wait until you are safely parked up.”
Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, An Garda Síochána, said: “Motorists detected holding a mobile phone risk a fixed charge notice of €60 and three penalty points. If you are a fully licensed driver and get 12 penalty points in a three-year period you will be disqualified from driving for six months.
“However, if you are a learner permit holder or novice driver and receive seven points in a three-year period you will face a six months disqualification. We are calling on all motorists to save lives and keep their hands on the wheel and off the phone while driving.”