It’s not uncommon to see cab drivers chattering away on their phones or bike riders pause for a selfie whilst driving through our traffic snarled city. As of 2016, Bengaluru has been officially ranked fourth in road crash accidents, as per Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. As per the broad findings by the Save LIFE Foundation on distracted driving in India, 47 percent receive calls while driving, and 41 percent use their phones for work while driving! Then comes this new-age selfie-craze that is proving hazardous.
A new campaign launched by an international smartphones brand, has the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari requesting people to be more responsible when they drive and not to use their phones simultaneously. This campaign echoes the voices of several concerned citizens.
Robin, a techie says, “In college, when you get a new bike, it’s a fad to click a picture while riding. Often the co-passenger lifts up the front camera, and we take a picture while riding. It’s a fun thing to do, but it’s definitely not safe as the driver loses attention while riding!”
You could blame the constant interaction that the phone offers but, Mohith Arun, a tourism student says, “Often, it is people who have work commitments or huge responsibilities that use phones even while driving as they are trying to save time. Inventions like bluetooth connectivity and headsets are helpful, but aids in distracted driving.”
Yukti Banet, a computer applications student says, “I ride a scooter, but when I have to make a call, I ensure that I stop my vehicle on the side of the road and attend to it. It’s not practical to use your phone while riding. A lot of guys are more comfortable using their phone while riding as they have a closed helmet.”
Preetha Arun, a concerned parent believes that since the world is constantly on the move and everybody is constantly in touch with each other, they ignore the obvious rules that seem harsh, but are genuinely necessary for ensuring our safety. “There is just so much more to be careful about and a pay attention to. We should know our priorities, especially when we are on the road and not just putting our lives but other’s lives in danger as well.”
Mohith commends Bengaluru cops for being stricter with traffic rules and people on the road. The need to be responsible should come from a place of understanding. Varkey Parakkal, a social activist says, “I feel more enforcement of traffic culture through big-brother laws, like the centre tried with the ban on liquor sale near highways is not the answer, it should come from awareness. You shouldn’t stop using your phone while driving because of the threat of having to pay a fine, but because you understand the threat it poses to yourself, co-passengers and pedestrians.”
