A DRIVER was pictured applying make-up while travelling along a dual carriageway with a small child in the back of her car.

The woman, who appeared to be looking in the mirror on her sun visor while putting mascara on, is one of the latest to be captured on camera as part of an ongoing Daily Echo campaign.

We also pictured several people using their mobile phones when we took pictures above the Wessex Way at the top of Richmond Hill.

Our photographer was there at around 9.30am on Monday May 21.

The woman, driving a white Honda, was travelling in the flow of traffic on the 40mph dual carriageway with a child, though to be around three-years-old, in the back of the car.

Police Sergeant Mark Farrow, of the Dorset Police No Excuse team, said: “Most motorists would realise that putting make up on while driving is simply irresponsible. You are not in proper control of your vehicle and such incidents could amount to careless driving offences.

"We would yet again remind motorists that you are effectively behind the wheel of a lethal weapon and I would urge everyone to ensure they drive safely and considerately to avoid risking their safety and that of other road users."

A male Skoda driver had both hands on his mobile phone and was looking down and a man driving a Smart car also had both hands off the wheel and was using his mobile phone.

The male drivers of an Audi and a Volkswagen pick-up both had phones in their hands, as did the driver of an Edens Landscapes truck.

The Daily Echo has been campaigning drivers using mobile phones at the wheel for more than 11 years.

Legislation introduced a year ago means those caught using phones at the wheel can receive six penalty points on their driving licences and fines of £200.

They are no longer given the opportunity to attend an awareness course instead of receiving points.

Sergeant Farrow added: "As an officer who deals with the often tragic aftermath when a driver is distracted at the wheel, I would like to make a personal plea to the driving public to think about their actions.

"You may think liking your friend’s Instagram post or Snapchatting your drive home is the most important thing at the time, but this is wrong and your life and those of others should be the priority.

"Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of other road users and, while you think you can get away with it, it is vital that drivers realise they could kill someone.

"We are urging drivers to take responsibility for their actions and leave their phone alone."