The prohibition of using mobile phones while driving is not new, yet people continue to break the rules of the road. I witnessed this during an inter-emirate Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) bus ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Anything can happen during such long trips — from simple tailgating to fatal crashes. Fortunately, we had a safe trip and nothing untoward happened. But, we may not be lucky next time.
Every time the driver picked up his phone to make or attend to a call, it was very stressful. He did it more than four times on a highway with vehicles speeding over 100 kilometres per hour.
My seven-year-old brother asked me if what the driver was doing is correct. The younger generation learns a lot from what is seen around. I made it clear to him that it was dangerous and not something any responsible driver should do. The driver may be confident or even too preoccupied to think of the consequences. However, he needs to realise that he is solely responsible for at least 50 passengers on board the bus.
When the driver is on the phone and if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or even if someone is crossing the road, the bus driver may not be able to react promptly. The consequences could be fatal... not to mention the plight of the passengers on the bus.
Making calls and texting while driving is a common sight on the roads in the UAE. Texting requires visual aid, thereby making it an extremely dangerous practice. Even hands-free devices aren’t completely safe. Talking on the phone causes distractions, which takes our attention away from the road.
Anything can happen in a fraction of a second. We should stop taking such chances and gambling with our lives.
In case of an emergency or if we need to attend to an important call, we should find the time to stop the vehicle and avoid danger to ourselves and other vehicles on the roads.
Authorities have implemented high fines for the practice in order to reduce accidents. However, people compromise on their own safety.
Please be aware and stop using mobile phones while driving. It can wait. Accidents wait for no one. As drivers, you are responsible not only for your life, but also for the lives of other drivers and passengers.
The reader is a student based in Dubai.
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Response
The complaint was raised with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, the Director of buses, stated: “I refer to the attached photo. The reader is correct that it is an offence to drive and engage in mobile phone conversation. Apart from the police who enforce the rules, RTA also carries out random checks en route. If such cases are detected, drivers will be issued a fine for infringing the rules. In addition, they will be counselled on safe driving practices. The bus department issues reminders from time to time to all drivers on safe practices while on the road, including banning the use of mobile phone while driving. However, there are occasions where drivers need to contact the Operations Control Center (OCC) when the wireless communication is not available. In such circumstances, drivers have to make a mobile phone call to OCC to assist with system error. Such calls should be made only when the bus is stopped at a safe location such as bus stops. Based on the limited information received, it is not possible for us to verify the information provided.”
