Do not mix driving and talking. This was the message conveyed at an awareness meeting on “do not use mobile phones while driving vehicles” conducted by the Regional Transport Authority officials for the motorists in the city on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, RTO (Madurai central) T.G. Thomas said that talking over mobile phones and riding/driving vehicles was more dangerous than drunken driving. Vehicular checks carried out by the authorities (on drivers who were spotted talking over phones) revealed that they (drivers’) were not concentrating on the driving. He underlined the need for self-discipline among the drivers and suggested to stop their vehicles and talk on the phones, if it was very urgent.
Motor Vehicles Inspector Amirtheswaran narrated the mental agony underwent by a family which had lost one of their member’s in a road accident. Investigations revealed that the victim who was talking over the mobile phone was hit by a lorry near the busy Netaji Road intersection.
Inspector of Police (Traffic) A. Balakrishnan appealed to the drivers’ present at the meeting to take a pledge that they would not talk over the mobile phones while driving their vehicles from today onwards. “Everyday, I booked at least 4-5 motorists on charges of speaking over mobile phones under Section 184 of Motor Vehicles Act and imposed a fine of Rs 1,100,” he warned.
Motor Vehicles Inspector J.K. Baskaran said that at least 50 per cent of the road accidents reported was due to careless driving. It had also come to light that the drivers’ talked over their phones.
Rajinikanth from Aravind Eye Hospital said that research by experts suggested less talking over mobile phones as it would affect the ears. Mobile phones produced electro magnetic waves and long conversations over the phone may affect hearing. Persons may use ear phones as an alternative. Wherever there was weak signal, do not use the phones, he advised.
Suresh Kannan proposed vote of thanks. Maxi drivers, auto rickshaw drivers among others attended.
