WE all do it, according to the police, but it is careless, dangerous and could lead to you spending time in prison.

Driving while using a mobile phone is becoming a common sight on our roads and Blackpool police have launched a hard-hitting campaign to warn motorists of the dangers.

January 8 saw the launch of the campaign with the slogan, "Drive and phone -- take a casket home", which will see police operating check-points throughout the resort, stopping drivers who they see using phones and advising them of the dangers.

PC Mike Gittus, a road safety officer for the Western Division, explained how the boom in sale of mobiles has caused a new set of problems on the roads.

"There were five million mobile phones given as presents this Christmas," he said, "so we are bound to see an increase in the number of drivers who have them in the car.

Mike, pictured here getting the campaign under way, continued: "Anything which distracts or attracts the driver's attention while they are in control of a motor vehicle is something which courts danger."

He pointed out the danger not only comes from only having one hand on the wheel while driving but, by using the LCD screen to access numbers and information, you were also taking your eyes off the road for vital seconds at a time.

"I suspect that all of us have been guilty of using our phone while in the car, but by using a mobile while you are driving you are compromising your safety and that of other road users.

"If you must make a call, pull over somewhere sensible, like on a side road, and if you are on the motorway, this does not mean the hard shoulder. If you really need to take calls on the move, all new phones can be used with hands-free kits these days.

"If you are using your mobile phone and the police see you driving carelessly or dangerously you could face prosecution."

"The most common cause of action is three points and a £60 fine, but if the offence is serious enough it could well result in a prison sentence."