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Police have released shocking footage of a reckless driver swerving all over a busy motorway while chatting on a mobile phone.

Drivers who use hand-held devices at the wheel are the focus of a new crackdown.

Police are mounting extra patrols in a bid to trap the drivers, who they warn could kill themselves or others.

Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is classed as one of the ‘fatal four’ - the name given to the four most common circumstances leading to death on the roads.

The other three are speeding, not wearing a seat belt and drink/drug driving, reports the Huddersfield Examiner.

A hard-hitting short film and other real life footage showing a driver swerving on the M62 while using a phone has been released as part of the campaign.

Insp Joanne Field, who leads West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “If you look at the footage of the car on the M62 you can see the level of distraction as the driver swerves from lane to lane at motorway speeds.

(Image: West Midlands Police)

“Fortunately the road was quiet otherwise the consequences could have been deadly.

“The risks associated with using a phone while behind the wheel are very clear.

“During my police career I’ve seen the fatal consequences of people who have been distracted by using a phone while driving on far too many occasions.

"Make no mistake, there is an absolute danger to sending that text message or making that quick call while you’re in charge of a vehicle.”

Motorists who are prosecuted for driving while using a mobile phone face three penalty points and a fine of £100.

But convictions for the more serious offence of driving carelessly or dangerously while using a hand-held phone can result in disqualification from driving, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.