Don't chat and drive: Be a hero, use the zero

Dubai: Motorists have begun replying with a "0" (zero) to decline talking or texting on their mobiles when behind the wheel.

The trend is catching on with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) users; a message encouraging a text-free and safe drive is doing the rounds on BBM.

It is not clear whether users of other instant message services are also using the digit to decline chatting while on the road.

Using mobile phones while driving is extremely dangerous and police are cracking down on their use while driving, warning that even a fleeting moment of distraction could cause fatal smashes.

The story of a young Emirati footballer killed in a traffic accident in September made headlines nationwide - some reports said he was believed to be texting when he met with the accident. 

"Don't chat and drive, it's not worth the risks," said Pakistani BBM user Zubair Haider, 32. "Be a hero, use the zero. It can be tempting to chat, and people might think you're rude if you don't reply, but safety comes first."

Another BBM user, British expat Mohammad Omar, 34, added: "You don't think an accident would happen to you - and then it does. There's no excuse for chatting when driving, just wait until you get there."