In a statement, ANSR explains that the campaign will run until January 20th and the first action will take place on Tuesday, on National Road 356, at the roundabout leading to Mosteiro da Batalha, a municipality in the district of Leiria.

The campaign aims to alert drivers about the negative and sometimes fatal consequences of improper cell phone use while driving.

According to ANSR, at 50 kilometres per hour looking at your cell phone for three seconds is the same as driving a distance of 42 metres blindfolded, the equivalent of a line of 10 cars.

Authorities also point out that drivers who use their cell phones while driving are slower to recognise and react to dangers.

The campaign, which begins on Tuesday, includes awareness-raising actions by ANSR on the mainland and by the regional administration services of the Azores and Madeira, and inspection operations by the GNR and PSP, with a special focus on roads and access points with high traffic flow.

Inspection operations will be carried out in Leiria, Braga and Setúbal.