Disgusted with mobile phone use

One fine evening on my way back home, my friend who was driving spotted another driver, who was using a mobile phone. He was on the fast track driving so slow that other vehicles behind him had to honk.

If motorists really cooperate with each other on the road, leave safe distances and avoid unnecessary mishaps, I am sure we could decrease traffic hurdles by half. We all know the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving and I am disgusted that people still have not realised what harm they could cause to other motorists behind them.

The authorities have implemented strict rules and regulations but it seems that the rules don't apply to some motorists. They drive too slow and get distracted over their phone conversations while other motorists behind them get blocked up. Sometimes while on the cell phone people also change lanes without an indicator, make sharp sudden turns, and find any small gap when moving from lane to lane. Some of the motorists make an excuse that due to the heat they like to tint their vehicle but it is for such purpose that they use their mobile phones thinking that no one will notice.

A small attention lapse is enough to create a complete mess on the roads as vehicles would pile up just due to a small accident. Drivers using cell phones are risky because they need to focus their attention on numerous road details. I would highly appreciate if the authorities can set up more cameras to catch motorists using their mobile phones while driving so that they wake up and feel the pinch of paying a huge fine. A mobile phone can be important in an emergency. If you need to use your mobile phone to call for help, stop and park safely where you will not endanger other road users. If you can't find one, look for one.

— This reader is a senior customer service executive based in Dubai

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