Over 28,000 people were caught holding a mobile phone while driving last year, and almost 10,000 have already been caught so far this year, Gardai have said.

They are planning a ‘targeted mobile phone enforcement operation' on April 24 and 25, in an attempt to reduce the number of people who use mobile phones while driving.

"We all know how distracting mobile phones can be in any situation, except in the car it can have fatal consequences. Driving requires 100% concentration. The choice is yours. To avoid penalty points, a fine or worse, always put the phone away when driving," commented Assistant Garda Commissioner, John Twomey.

Research indicates that there is a four-fold increased risk of being in a road accident if you are using a mobile phone, because they can distract drivers in a number of ways. For example, a driver has to use one or both hands to work the phone, which means they may not be able to focus on the physical aspects of driving, such as steering and gear changes.

Drivers caught using, or even holding, a mobile phone while driving face two penalty points and a €60 fine, which must be paid within 28 days. If it is paid between 28 and 56 days after the offence, this will result in four penalty points and a €90 fine.

However, new regulations are due to come into effect on May 1. These will make it an offence to read or send a text while driving.

Meanwhile, the Gardai also revealed that 153 drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink driving over the Easter bank holiday weekend, and two people lost their lives.

"We made very public the fact there would be significant enforcement activity over the Easter period, especially for drink driving, yet 153 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving from Good Friday to Easter Monday. These are selfish acts by irresponsible people, and we will continue to target those who put themselves and others at risk," Assistant Commissioner Twomey said.