Phone on Wheels, Hello to Grave

The risks of talking on mobile phones, handheld or handsfree, whilst driving are grave but Nigerians have kept talking on wheels.

Cellphones are now more than just the latest electronic gadget; cellular telephones have become integral parts of everyone’s business and personal lives.

They are used to schedule appointments, call for assistance, report emergencies, and maintain contact with the office and family.

However, the convenience they offer must be judged against the hazards they pose.

Increased reliance on cellphones has led to a rise in the number of people who use the devices while driving.

Use of mobile phone while driving is common in Nigeria so are the dangers caused.

A recent study said that drivers are four times more likely to have accidents while talking on cellular phones.

There are many dangers associated with driving and cellphone use, including text messaging.

Drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialing. Second, people can become so absorbed in their conversations that their ability to concentrate on the act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the safety of vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

The distraction of using a cell phone while driving is the same as fiddling with the radio, dealing with kids and pets, applying make-up, eating and so on.

Nigeria has banned the ban on use of mobile phone while driving but many have continued to ignore the law leaving tears, blood and avoidable damages in their wake.

Official statistics are hard to come by and are rarely reliable; it is generally believed that cell phone distraction causes more accidents in urban cities than drunk driving.

But the stark reality is that Nigeria’s road accident statistics is grim.

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) estimates that some 5,000 people die in road accidents in the count every year.

Of course mobile phone on wheel and disregards for traffic rules are some of the major causes.

Other factors are impatience of drivers, over-speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving against traffic, overloading, poor maintenance of vehicles and the use of bad tyres.

Many of the deaths are preventable and are caused by sheer recklessness.

To save further loss of lives due to irresponsibility of some drivers, it is important that there is strict enforcement of the law against driving and cellphone.

FRSC and other law enforcement agencies can enforce a ban on hand held cell phones as easily as they do with seat belts – they are very easy to notice.

But well meaning Nigerians must not wait for the law. They should start acting responsibility now and avoid putting other motorists and Nigerians in dangers.

The FRSC should embark on a nationwide public enlightenment exercise on the dangers of driving, smoking, talking and texting on the mobile phone.