Tough Call against Use of Phone While Driving

Mobile phone use while driving is common, but it is widely considered dangerous due to its potential for causing distracted driving and accidents.

Use of mobile phone when driving are opposite sides of a coin.

Cell phone technology is supposed to help us carry out the tasks of daily life but using it while driving is dangerous and stupid.

Today, there are nearly 150 million telephone lines in the country, all playing integral roles in the lives and businesses of the owners.

But making or receiving call while driving is a significant distraction and increases the risk of the driver crashing and causing harm to other road users.

Many different studies have shown that when drivers use a cell phone while driving, it can be very dangerous.

Despite warnings, mobile phone use while driving is still very common in Nigeria.

There are two dangers associated with driving and cell phone use, including text messaging.

First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while dialling.

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

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) road traffic accidents are a significant cause of injury and deaths in the country.

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

Some of them are caused when drivers who use cell phones on wheels are distracted from the road.

A recent World Health Organisation’s  ‘global status report on road safety’ also  indicates that well over one million people are killed on the world’s roads every year, half of these being pedestrians and motorcyclists.

As many as 50 million people per year are injured in road traffic accidents, many sustaining severe permanent disabilities and loss of mobility.

As far back as six year ago, Lagos state signed  the Lagos Traffic Bill, making it drive or ride a vehicle while using a hand-held mobile phone.

The penalty is a three-year jail term or a fine of N20, 000 for first offenders and N30, 000 for subsequent offences or both for any other breaches subject to the discretion of the presiding magistrate.

FRSC should also invoke the penalty in the Act establishing it which stipulates that punishment for use of cell phone on wheels is a fine of N4, 000.

Other state governments must also follow in the step of the Lagos State government because life is precious and should not cut short by reckless loose ranting cell phone users.

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) must also review the convenience cell phones offer against the hazards they pose.

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

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