Hyderabad: As many as 2,179 motorists are facing suspension of their driving licence after being booked on multiple occasions for cell phone driving. Road transport authorities have issued show cause notices to these motorists asking why their licence should not be suspended.
This is the highest number of cases where in suspension of driving licence is being sought for violation of traffic rules. The Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety had recommended suspension of licence for even cell phone-held driving, terming it as dangerous for the life of violator and others on the road.
However, there is no decrease in the number of cell phone cases being booked. Psychologists said it is general anxiety and emotional instability that lead to cell phone driving. "We want to share our emotions immediately through conversation, text message and video with our family, friends and relatives while forgetting that we are driving," said Dr S V Nagnath, counseling psychologist with a private hospital.
Traffic and transport experts said traffic cops are only booking cases and issuing challan for cell phone driving which is not enough. They should seize the mobile phone temporarily and return it after counseling on the lines of vehicles being detained.
"Citizens can do without a vehicle for a day or two but it is difficult to be without a mobile phone even for a day. Using ear phones, when driving, is more dangerous. Bikers bend their head on one side and speak on the mobile phone while driving. In all such cases, the cellphones should be seized. Another way is to impose a fine if the phone is not in driving mode,” said Central Road Rese-arch Institute retired scientist T S Reddy.
DCP, Traffic, A.V. Ranganath said there is no provision to seize mobile phones as per prevailing rules. "We are seeking suspension of driving licences for cell phone driving. We will take legal opinion on detaining cell phones and penalizing if it is not in driving mode," he said, adding the MV Act is silent on hand-free equipment but because it distracts the attention of the driver, traffic cops can book cases for cell phone driving.
