Distractions while driving
By H. Kishie Singh

OF late, there has been a lot of talk about the use of seat belts and helmets while driving cars and two- wheelers, respectively, and about banning smoking and the use of mobile phones while driving. Of course drinking and driving is a deadly combination. They just don’t mix.

Without going into the legalities, let us see what our common sense says about personal safety.

There is no doubt that seat belts and helmets save lives. And it could be your life that could be saved. When you have such a simple and strong argument in your favour, why not wear a seat belt? It may not be so simple for our hero on the two-wheeler who wears his helmet on his arm. Sure, your girlfriend will see you coming from a distance if you arn’t wearing a helmet but she will have no use for you if you bash your head on the tarmac.

An innovative idea would be to paint your helmet in a unique and imaginative way so that you can be identified from a distance. And this is what it’s all about. Identity. Identity combined with safety would be a strong statement in your favour — regarding your safety, social obligations and, of course, girlfriends. So, why not try it? And, don’t forget to fasten the chin strap. Without a chin strap, a helmet is of no use.

The same applies for seat belts. All cars manufactured today come equipped with seat belts. One day they could save a life, may be even yours. Seat belts are recognised as one of the most effective passive safety system invented for use in a car. Use them.

Unfortunately, not enough attention is given to rear-seat passengers — mostly children. In case of a collision, they will get thrown about. The padded back rest of the front seats is of some help but not enough. To have children in the front seat is not recommended. In a lot of countries children are not allowed in the front seat. And, children sitting in the lap is an absolute no-no!

Children have softer bones as compared to adults. The force with which a child is likely to hit the dashboard in an 80 km.p.h. collision would be equivalent to the force with which one lands on to a cemented floor from the third floor. Very little chance of survival. It can be avoided.

And what about children in the passenger’s lap in the front seat? Not only will the head bash against the dashboard but the body weight of the adult will crush the child against the dashboard. The tender bones, especially the rib cage, could get crushed, causing massive internal injuries. This can also be avoided.

There is no doubt that cell phones are a major distraction while driving. Some manufacturers are making "hands-free" phones. This is not enough. The message over the phone could be alarming. This could cause anxiety, anger, panic. And that’s the last thing you need at speed on the highway or in the city.

If necessary, pull over, stop and make the phone call. You won’t be breaking the law and , more important, you won’t be endangering a life — yours or another road user’s. Smoking is just as hazardous.

The golden rule of motoring is to keep your eyes on the road, and hands on the wheel.

Definitely the most distracting and dangerous fitment in a car is the music system. To insert a tape into the deck demands taking your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.

This item has been ignored by safety councils, law agencies and car manufacturers.

Compounding this danger are music systems that pound out hundreds of watts of music. The boom-boom can be heard by most on the road. It distracts the driver as well as other road users. It is nothing but showing off, a nuisance, that causes sound pollution and is undesirable.

The boom-boom, a speeded up tempo, also speeds up the driver’s system. It increases the heart beat and revs up the driver! He in turn revs up the engine and begins to drive fast to keep up with the music.

Music soothes the heart of a savage beast. It is recommended that the music in a car be slower than your heart beat. It will create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the car and make you a better driver. It will be safer for all concerned.

Ignore the law if you want to, but think of your personal safety, of your family and friends in the car with you.

Happy motoring!