Traffic police on Highway 4 caught multiple drivers endangering lives, one explained she was calling home about her dog, another was so absorbed in his phone he didn't hear officers calling him
During an undercover enforcement operation by the Israel Police National Traffic Unit, officers on Highway 4 spotted multiple drivers committing life-threatening traffic violations, including using cell phones while driving and traveling on the shoulder.
One driver stopped by an officer offered an unusual explanation: "I'm late to walk my dog. I'm sorry, do what you have to do." The woman admitted she had called home while driving and received a citation for 1,000 shekels and 10 penalty points.
Another driver caught in a distracted-driving violation was so engrossed in his phone that it took several calls from the officer during the drive before he even noticed her. He too received a citation for phone use while driving.
A third driver was stopped after driving on the shoulder to bypass traffic congestion. The officer addressed him sternly: "This is a choice that endangers lives. A second of convenience for you could cost someone their life."
Police emphasized that shoulder travel is intended for emergency situations only. Pulling onto the shoulder is permitted solely in cases of significant mechanical failure, an accident, or an urgent medical issue that prevents continuing to drive.
According to the police spokesperson, the risk of collision is especially high when vehicles are stopped on the shoulder adjacent to the travel lane. A slight swerve by a passing vehicle toward the shoulder can lead to a fatal crash. Additionally, the shoulder often serves as a clear traffic corridor for ambulances, police vehicles, and fire trucks responding to emergencies, and blocking or driving on it can delay life-saving efforts.
The enforcement activity is part of "Committed to Life," a joint national operation by the Traffic Division and the National Road Safety Authority to combat road fatalities. As part of the operation, additional traffic units have been deployed across Israeli roads, and enforcement against distracted driving and dangerous driving violations has increased.
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