Suburban
POLICE in Harare have expressed serious concern over drivers’ increased use of cellphones while driving describing it as one of today’s major causes of road traffic accidents.
Jeremiah Mudonha Correspondent
Harare Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Julius Chakanza said the use of mobile phones while driving diverts the motorist’s attention causing injuries and in some cases, deaths.
“Rarely can one use a cellphone whilst driving without altering his or her driving and that of others.
“And normally as a consequence to this, road collisions occur leading to regrettable deaths, injuries and damage to property. We are currently investigating over three near fatal accidents with preliminary evidence pointing to the use of cellphone whilst driving as the causes.
“We thus want to warn our drivers to desist from this practice forthwith,” he said.
According to a global survey by Express Lube, the possibility of a car accident while one is using a cellphone is six times higher than that of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Despite the practice’s popularity and fun or convenience which may accompany it, using a cellphone whilst driving is illegal not only in Zimbabwe but in many other countries the world over.
Section 116B (1) of Statutory Instrument 199 of 2002 states that no person shall use a mobile phone whilst driving.
While the offence attracts a level five penalty or fine in Zimbabwe, many still feel stiffer penalties such as imprisonment should be considered in future in escalating the fight against this illegality.
In Northern Ireland, a convicted driver risks being disqualified from driving on top of paying a top maximum fine.
The Traffic Saftey Council of Zimbabwe, through their Twitter handle, have also been vocal against the practice.
“Don’t phone, text and drive.
“It can wait!” reads one of their series of messages.
Using a cellphone whilst driving is not only limited to calling or receiving calls but includes using other phone applications such as WhatsApp, videos and games.
The safest and lawful thing to do is always to pull off the road and stop to answer or make calls before getting back on the road.
Driving demands wholesome attention from drivers given the responsibility of preserving life rests on the driver’s shoulders.
It is apparent that some of the traffic congestion problems are being fueled by absent-minded drivers whose concentration is more on their phones than their driving.
For instance, such use of phones may result in vehicles at the front at robot-controlled intersections to remain stationary long after the robot has turned green thereby creating avoidable pile-up of traffic.
