Israeli Police Crack Down on Dangerous Driving, Including Instructors Using Phones During Lessons

The Israeli Police conducted a nationwide enforcement operation on Thursday targeting life-threatening traffic violations, deploying hundreds of officers and volunteers across the country. The crackdown uncovered drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol, driving instructors caught using mobile phones during lessons, and thousands of other traffic offenders recorded by digital enforcement cameras.

The police utilized various digital tools such as tactical cameras, still cameras, and enforcement cameras. So far, 1,599 violations related to speeding and running red lights have been processed, alongside 103 additional offenses captured by the "Road Guardians" unit cameras. All fines will be sent to vehicle owners within the next 24 hours.

In total, 5,924 fines were issued during the operation, including 1,072 for mobile phone use and distracted driving, 211 for speeding, 116 for red light violations, 165 for failure to yield to pedestrians, and 332 for other vehicle use prohibitions. Authorities also apprehended 14 drivers operating under license suspension, 17 unlicensed drivers, revoked 42 licenses, impounded 81 vehicles, arrested 11 suspects, and issued 154 fines to two-wheeler riders.

Among notable incidents, driving instructors were filmed using phones while teaching, an offense police say endangers both students and other road users. In the Haifa district, police arrested a driver who was driving under the influence and with a suspended license, resulting in license revocation. Another driver who refused detention after being caught using a phone assaulted a female officer.

The police emphasized that this operation is part of the ongoing "Committed to Life" national program, a joint effort by the Traffic Department and the National Road Safety Authority to reduce road fatalities, which includes increased patrols on Israeli roads.