DRIVING a car is not easy. OK, so it may be second nature to most motorists, effortlessly moving in and out of traffic, never having - or causing - an accident.

But there is one thing that all drivers need and should never take for granted, no matter how accomplished they are behind the wheel. And that is concentration.

One of the many things that can break that concentration is, of course, a call on a mobile phone.

Driving while using a mobile is dangerous.

It affects the ability to concentrate and anticipate the road ahead, putting the driver and other road users at risk.

On today's Page 4, we highlight the case of driver Brian Cureton, who was fined for using his phone while in his car.

Mr Cureton is angry at receiving his fine as his car was stationary in traffic at the time, with the handbrake on.

He said: "In my eyes I was doing no wrong."

Well, Mr Cureton, we believe that you were doing wrong.

As the spokesman for West Mercia police said: "It is important to remember that the driver of a vehicle is in control of - and responsible for - that vehicle, whether it is moving or when it is stationary in traffic."

A new law is due to come into force in December this year, making the use of handheld mobile phones while driving illegal.

We welcome such a law and hope that it will go a long way towards changing people's attitudes and behaviour.

Missing a call won't kill you - but an accident possibly could.