Dubai: Technology, as is said, is a double-edged sword and the same applies to mobile phones, too. And the issue is worse when motorists or pedestrians are distracted by them on the roads.
The use of mobile phones in the world today is growing at an alarming rate. Against the various advantages, there are many dangers that arise due to its continued misuse, especially its usage on the road.
I have witnessed motorists using their mobile devices while driving and a lot has been published about this in newspapers and the authorities have issued fines for the same. But, pedestrians using their phones is also quite dangerous, especially while walking and crossing the roads casually, blissfully unaware of the hazardous consequences.
Glued to their devices, these people are so caught up in their own world, they seem oblivious to what is around them, putting everyone’s lives at risk. They are busy using these gadgets for texting, talking, watching videos, playing mobile games or surfing the internet. They fail to realise that the temptation to be on social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram while on the road can be devastating.
There are many people, children and adults alike, who can’t put their phones down for even a few seconds while they cross a street. Most of the pedestrians don’t even look up to see where they are walking. They just manage to dodge other pedestrians around them and step out onto the road, forgetting about the oncoming traffic.
Looking at their phone screen reduces their field of vision and makes them less aware of things happening around them, as stated in a study published by the US National Library of Medicine. They are so engrossed in their gadgets.
The same holds true for drivers, too, and they can get distracted due to which they may drive too slow or may forget to use the indicator while changing lanes. This can easily lead to accidents causing human injury and vehicular damage.
Ravi Kapur, an author based in Dubai, said: “Mobile usage while driving or by pedestrians is a life threatening phenomenon; users pose danger to themselves and other road users. This habit requires immediate attention and needs to be eliminated through strict legal provisions and public awareness.”
Neelam Kapur, an artist based in Dubai, added: “Self-restraint and regulation must be encouraged through stepping up of awareness in the public about the serious hazards of this malady.”
The authorities have implemented strict rules and regulations but it seems people tend to believe that these rules do not apply to them. We all need to pay attention to our surroundings when using mobile phones and avoid all sorts of distractions while driving or crossing the road. We need to operate our devices for talking, texting and other purposes only when it is safe to do so.
We must remember that mobile phone usage on the road, whether as a motorist or pedestrian, requires alertness, awareness of surroundings and compliance with the rules. Authorities have always urged motorists and pedestrians to abide by the traffic laws for everyone’s safety and to avoid being fined.
Apart from the authorities, this is each and every road user’s responsibility. The authorities are doing their level best to serve us better, but it isn’t possible for them to monitor each and every individual at all times. Initiating campaigns to increase awareness on this negligence is the need of the hour as this risky habit needs to be curbed at all costs to reduce accidents and injuries.
— The reader is a pupil based in Dubai.
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Penalties
According to a list of federal fines issued by the Ministry of Interior, being distracted by anything while driving, including mobile devices, results in a fine of Dh800 and four black points.
