"We have seen the devastation poor decisions can make and have had to deliver heartbreaking news to families.”

Sixty six drivers were caught committing 71 offences on the motorway in a four-day operation, South Yorkshire Police said.

Drivers were caught phoning, texting, Face Timing and on a laptop. One was relaxing with his legs on the dashboard.

Sixty six drivers were caught committing 71 offences on the motorway in a four-day operation said South Yorkshire Police. | syp

placeholder image — Sixty six drivers were caught committing 71 offences on the motorway in a four-day operation said South Yorkshire Police. | syp

The force said a total of 71 offences were detected because some drivers were committing more than one offence, including mobile phone use, not being in proper control, not wearing a seat belt, speeding, having an insecure load, stopping on the hard shoulder, no insurance and driving without due care.

Police, using a lorry borrowed from National Highways, said they stopped 21 lorries, 16 vans and 29 cars.

Roads policing officer Nathan Warrilow said: "We have seen the devastation poor decisions can make and have had to deliver heartbreaking news to families.

"No one thinks they’re not coming home when they get in their vehicle and poorly made decisions could signal the end of your life or the life of an innocent person.

“We will continue to do all that we can to create safer roads, but we cannot be everywhere, so we need everyone to do their part.”