MUSCAT, Oct 31 - Not a single day passes when we do not hear about some disaster somewhere caused by nature’s fury. There is hue and cry over global warming, which is blamed for changing the very course of nature. But then there is another mode of destruction that is invading our lives in the name of connectivity, entertainment and information.
It has been identified as one of the major reasons for deaths on roads. It is our mobile phones, use of which while driving are causing most of the accidents and fatalities on roads.
According to a WHO report, “drivers using mobile phones are approximately four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers not using a mobile phone.
Using a phone while driving slows reaction times (notably braking reaction time, but also reaction to traffic signals), and makes it difficult to keep in the correct lane, and to keep the correct following distances.”
The report suggests that about 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29 years and hands-free phones are not much safer than hand-held phone sets, and texting considerably increases the risk of a crash. The report was cited during a road safety campaign to make people understand of using mobile phones while driving, as most of the accidents happen in a negligent fraction of three seconds.
According to another report, 80 per cent drivers get preoccupied for three seconds before committing the accident. Hence, any diversion of attention towards the mobile phone, even to look at ‘who is calling’ or ‘who is texting’ may prove last such attempt as during those moments “the driver’s attention is diverted totally from the road.”
The report indicated that those involved in the accidents while driving did not know what happened and how the accident happened because they were busy on the mobile phones and failed to avoid the accident.
Thus, a driver who is busy with his phone spends 10 per cent his time off the appropriate lane and using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of accident by 23 times. 72 per cent of such drivers admitted to text messaging while driving.
It has been found in the study that text messaging while driving is proving to be the most serious for the motorists as they keep their eyes away from the road. The scope of study on this is limited but it is estimated that text messaging while driving has emerged as a major risk factor for accidents.
General awareness with the involvement of educational institutions, public and private institutions are needed to address the issue.
“Parents need to set an example for their children by driving safe without using mobile phones while driving. We have been regularly organising events in schools and colleges to engage with the young students to inculcate among them the sense for traffic and safe driving,” said a senior ROP official.
Kaushalendra Singh
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