Drivers have been issued a warning ahead of a 10-second ‘siren’ taking place this weekend. The UK Government will conduct a national test of the emergency alerts system at 3pm on Sunday, September 7.
Mobile phones and tablets connected to 4G or 5G internet should all emit a loud siren-like sound and vibrate for 10 seconds – even if they are set to silent. Anyone who will be behind the wheel at the moment the alert takes place is being urged not to pick up their phone when it happens – but to stay calm and focus on driving.
The AA says drivers should acknowledge the message when it’s safe to do so, only responding to it when they have stopped in a safe place with the engine off. Edmund King, AA president, said: “We support the testing of the emergency alerts system, which is an important tool the government uses to keep people safe in a crisis.
“On the day, drivers should simply stay calm and focus on the road. As always, only check your phone when you’re parked safely with the engine turned off.”
It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. Motorists can be fined £200 and receive six penalty points. The AA is recommending drivers familiarise themselves with the sound their devices will make ahead of Sunday, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This test is part of a nationwide effort to ensure the system works effectively in real emergencies, such as extreme storms or wildfires. The system has already been used effectively five times in real life and tested nationally once before.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, stated: “Over eight million people have already safely received emergency alerts in real life scenarios, including floods and extreme storms. Emergency alerts help us deliver lifesaving advice in an emergency, which is why it’s so important we test the system, to make sure we can keep the country safe when lives are on the line.”
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