Distracted driving: Death wish

H. KISHIE SINGH

According to the World Health Organization, WHO, phoning and driving increases your risk of crashing by four times. Delhi reported over 2,000 deaths due to cell phone use while the driver was behind the wheel. This doesn’t sound right.

It is reported that 47 per cent of the drivers who received phone calls answered them while driving.

While giving out these figures the official did admit that the reports from cell phone deaths are not accurate, they are under reported. My guestimate would be 20,000 deaths at least, considering there are around 10 lakh vehicles on Delhi roads.

There are more dangers in using a cell phone. People ignore advice because it interferes with their lifestyle. While refuelling, drivers make use of the time to make a call, ignoring the sign at the filling station that says, “No Cellphones”. They don’t know that the electrical impulse in the cell phone can cause a spark and with, the highly inflammable fumes in the air, can blow everyone into kingdom come.

The atmosphere around you is charged with static electricity. Flashes of lightening are proof of this.

Sitting in a car in a metal cocoon attracts electrical charges. The cell phone is a target.

The innocuous cell phone carries out multiple tasks. You are not capable of that. See accompanying chart.

Switch off, play safe!

Pull up on the side of the road and check your missed calls.

Other ever present dangers on the road, poor road design, faulty speed breakers and pot holes claimed 26 deaths daily in Delhi.

Another Act of Stupidity (not yet part of the M.V. Act!), that has raised its ugly head, as if speaking on the phone was not dangerous enough; drivers are taking selfies while behind the wheel! This should be punishable as attempted suicide and as being a danger to the public.

There seems to be no fear of the law but pinching the pocket could be a deterrent. In a crash where the driver was on the cell phone, insurance should not cover the claim. Acts of negligence are usually turned down by the insurance companies.

Indian roads are the most cluttered roads on the planet. One reason is that there is no segregation of the modes of traffic. Cars capable of three digit speeds rub shoulders with an animal drawn cart, a hand pushed cart, bicycles of all descriptions. There is a new ‘juggaad’ on the road. A three wheeler cycle rickshaw meant for carrying goods has a scooter engine fitted to it. Totally illegal but the Police don’t know what to do with it. There is no provision in the M.V.Act to challan this ingenious invention.

At a red light it is possible to have a cripple on a wooden board, fitted with roller bearings for wheels, knocking on your door! All this demands your 110% attention at all times. Fiddling with the music system is a great distraction. Unnecessary chit chat, noisy children can divert the driver’s attention for a split second. That’s all it takes to miss the child who ran across the road chasing his cricket ball. Dogs and cows are another ever present danger.

I am reminded of Professor Amin’s quote, my history teacher in College, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty!”

I would like to change that to, “Eternal vigilance is the price of a long and happy life!”

Happy Motoring!