Air fresheners displaying a reminder not to text and drive are now being given away in the second wave of the Mercury’s Why Risk It? campaign.

The lemon-scented air fresheners can be picked up for free at participating filling stations in Deal, Dover and Sandwich and put in cars to reinforce the message to drivers.

It follows on from the Why Risk It? car stickers, which were produced by the Mercury with the backing of sponsors Ovenden, Adamson’s Suzuki and Juicy Media.

We launched the campaign after a high-profile court case into the death of cyclist Daniel Squire in September 2013.

"They are a small but positive step towards stopping people using phones whilst driving and remind people of the dangers and consequences" - Tracy Squire, mother of killed cyclist Daniel Squire

In March, Philip Sinden was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving and of the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. He was found not to have been texting at the time of impact, but he had admitted using a mobile phone earlier during his journey from St Margaret’s to Deal. The trial and subsequent community reaction sparked the Mercury into action to remind people that just one text is not worth the risk.

Daniel’s mother Tracy Squire said: “These air fresheners are a small but positive step towards stopping people using phones whilst driving and remind people of the dangers and consequences. The first phase was the car stickers – it makes me feel people are taking notice and are aware, which is good. I see people driving around with them in their cars.

“We now need people to get behind the second phase and pick up a free air freshener at local garages and filling stations so the reminder is always in their cars.”

The air fresheners have been paid for by RMS Diagnostics, a family-run business owned by Bobby and Dawn Shervill, family friends of the Squires.

Total Motor Care is the second sponsor. Owner Tony Reid is a keen cyclist who is aware of the problems vulnerable road users face. Mrs Squire was filmed in a heart-rending video, promoting a new app that prevents mobile phones from working in vehicles.

The video for the Romex app went viral when it was released via Facebook, with more than 40,000 views. Although Mr Sinden was cleared of using his mobile at the time of impact, Mrs Squire is keen to get the message out that just one text can have disastrous consequences.

The family have been proactive in doing good since Daniel’s death one day after he was struck by Mr Sinden’s van on Saturday, September 7, 2013 – his organs were donated, giving a better quality of life to up to four people; they have raised cash for Kent Air Ambulance, the charity that flew Daniel to King’s College Hospital; and a third annual memorial football match is planned.

Mrs Squire, Daniel’s father Symon and sister Hayley are keen to highlight cyclist-motorist awareness on the roads to prevent more accidents. They have produced hi-vis jackets for cyclists with Daniel’s name on the back, and a charity will be set up so youngsters who cannot afford racing bikes and who want to learn about the sport can.

n Why Risk It? air fresheners can be picked up at the BP garage, London Road, Deal and Texaco, Dover Road, Walmer. Sponsors RMS Diagnostics and Total Motor Care will hand them out to customers.