GOOD MOTORING
Mobiles can increase mishap chances by 400 pc
H. Kishie Singh

Pay attention to this warning!

NO smoking and no cell phones. This sign can be seen at petrol stations. A cell phone is almost as good as a cigarette, a lit match or a naked flame. The electronic impulses from a cell phone can cause a spark and with the petrol vapours in the air you could send everyone around you to kingdom come. Please pay attention to these signs.

If the pump attendants do not enforce this rule, it could be very dangerous. You are better educated than the attendants, so be responsible and pay attention to this sign.

The atmosphere around you is charged with static electricity. The flashes of lightning are proof of this. Computer users are warned not to use a lap-top during a thunderstorm.

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to use cell phones on an aircraft while landing and take off. Again electrical impulses will be generated and will affect the navigational and communication system of the aircraft.

The little innocuous cell phone that you carry is a powerful instrument.

Electrical impulses attract electricity, which can be in the form of lightning. Lightning can enter your home and find its way to your lap top or cell phone. Metal on the roof will also attract lightning.

These days parking lots have a number of cars with remote-controlled locking systems. They also work off electronic impulses. There is bound to be interference between so many signals being flashed at the same time. You may get your phone call but you could also jam a remote-controlled locking system of another car.

Also keep in mind that the use of a cell phone and driving is a challanable offence. A serious one. Even while standing still and talking on the cell phone, the engine must be switched off. You may even get a better reception with the engine switched off. There are electrical impulses being generated by the electricals in the car as it idles.

The fine for cell phone use is stiff: Rs 1,100 — Rs 100 for cell phone use and Rs 1,000 for dangerous driving! The Chandigarh police is getting serious about road safety. Studies show using a cell phone while driving increases chances of an accident by 400%!

The sidewalk mechanics from sectors 27 and 28 have been shifted to the new motor market. However, some mechanics still hang around these sectors, unemployed. Local shopkeepers have been complaining about cases of petty thefts and bag-snatching being on the increase. The two may be related. Be cautious.

One thing to be extra cautious about is your ignition key. You may have heard about the "automatic key-duplicating machine". It is possible to duplicate your car key in minutes. The police are most reluctant to register an F.I.R. if a car has been driven off. If there is no break-in, insurance companies too suspect collusion.

Another observation: I recognised a car as it drove into a parking lot. But not the lady who was driving. The head and face, especially the left eye, was heavily bandaged. It took me an extra moment to recognise her. "What happened," I asked.

"I was putting on eyeliner while driving the car!" she answered.

There you have it! Experience gained first hand, and a lesson. The moral of the story is: Ladies shouldn’t apply eye-liner in a moving car, especially if they are driving!

Happy motoring!