Bhubaneswar: Mobile phones are a potential source of distraction while driving, with Odisha witnessing 433 road accidents and loss of 163 human lives last year due to such dangerous tendencies during driving, said State Transport Authority (STA) officials, Monday. Given the rising fatalities caused by mobile phone distractions, the STA has urged drivers to not use phones while driving. In a message on social media, the STA said, “If you’re using your phone while driving and think it’s okay to do so then you’re making a big mistake.
Look at what has happened to many people who think like you.” The message is a direct reference to the fatalities caused by obsessive mobile addiction last year. An analysis of the 433 mobile phone-related road accidents last year revealed that 247 of those were serious in nature, STA said. It is observed that when the signal turns red at the traffic intersection, the driver stops. Then one takes out ones mobile phone and uses it to browse social media, and search videos, or read content. Even this is banned at traffic intersections, the STA said. The STA said use of mobile phones, earphones or Bluetooth devices while driving is strictly prohibited.
Violation of the rules will invite a fine of Rs 5,000 as per Odisha Motor Vehicle Act, and Rs 500 as per Urban Police Act. “Commissionerate Police is also strict in this matter,” the STA said. Apart from the use of mobile phones while driving, drunken driving, driving on the wrong side (in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act provisions) have also contributed towards the rising graph of road accidents in the state, said STA officials.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP