For years, experts and researchers have been sounding the alarm: Cellphone use while driving is a potentially deadly combination. Despite frightening statistics on the dangers of doing such–talking on a mobile phone, texting and BBM-ing (for those with the new "ME2" that is the BlackBerry), have become as common place as flooding in Trinidad after light to heavy rainfall. Still, how many of us are guilty of "multi-tasking?" Too many to count. Bad habits die hard, you argue? Well, would paying a hefty fine of $5,000 jolt you into action?
Very soon, that's exactly what you would have to fork out for engaging in any of the above while behind the wheel of a vehicle. You can't dig that deep into your wallet, you say? Spending two months in prison with hard labour is your other option. Cellphones are a mainstay of this modern era, but while they can be life-saving communication tools to have ready in a vehicle in case of emergency, in some cases, its use is more of a danger than a boon.
Digicel: On De Road Off De Phone
It was at a post-Cabinet news conference on July 29 that Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner announced that T&T would soon join countries such as Australia, Bahrain, Russia and Egypt, in banning the use of mobile phones while driving. Cabinet had approved the provisions to be embodied in the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2010 to be taken to Parliament. The initiative, Warner said, was being done to reduce the carnage on the nation's roads. Giving the proposed bill the thumbs up is Digicel's Communications Manager, Penny Gomez.
Gomez says the company's On De Road Off De Phone campaign was launched to educate the public on safe driving, as Digicel was "concerned" about the safety of road users. "We had that in the pipelines even before the ministry announced that the law would soon be passed," she reveals. "We would not want any of our products to create any danger for road users." Gomez took the opportunity to issue a call to all citizens to jump on board. "We are inviting the public to take up the mantle and do their part to not drive distracted. We will be asking them to sign pledge books available at retail stores. We want to send home the message, 'If you're on the road you're off the phone'"
Bumper sticker says it all.
TSTT: Improve road safety
Meanwhile, Lisa Agard, Executive Vice President Mobile Services, TSTT, says bmobile fully supports any efforts to improve road safety. In fact she says bmobile has had several public awareness campaigns over the years. "We believe that this debate would be even better served with a serious look at not just cell phones, but at all other types of driver distractions, which equally put road users at risk. This might allow legislators to deal with the issue in a holistic way, especially in terms of enforcement." Agard says in the absence of "specific regulations," the telecoms sector has engaged in "a large measure of self regulation" and has proactively developed solutions from basic hands free devices to more sophisticated software which "reads" messages to users. "bmobile is looking forward to seeing this issue progressed and will continue to play its part in making the nations roads safe for all," she says.
Oprah's No Phone Zone
Internationally, some celebrities are forging ahead to help make the road a safer place for drivers and pedestrians alike. To raise awareness and prevent distracted driving, the leading lady in talk show history, Oprah Winfrey, recently launched her No Phone Zone campaign. The campaign urges motorists to desist from texting or talking on the phone while driving. Oscar winners Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges and Mo'Nique, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, actress and icon Raquel Welch, entertainer and entrepreneur Tyler Perry–are just a few of the 160,000 people who have signed Oprah's pledge at Oprah.com.
Hard Facts
Several studies show that talking on a cellphone while driving can wreck as much havoc as driving while intoxicated. A 2006 US study, meanwhile, revealed that hands-free cellphones are just as distracting as handheld cellphones because the conversation itself–not just manipulation of a handheld phone–distracts drivers from road conditions.
Studies also reveal:
Drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds when texting–enough times to hit a pedestrian, vehicle or highway divider in the process.
Driving while texting increases your chance of crashing by 20 times.
Dialling a cellphone increases the possibility of a crash by 2.8 times. Talking or listening to a cell phone conversation increases risk by 1.3 times.