Barbadians too in love with their cellphones

Of late, I have had to implement a few traffic rules of my own, all legal of course, while traversing to and fro on Barbadian roads, to avoid the bob and weave antics of drivers who are caught up on their beloved cellphones. One such rule involves letting persons out at junctions who are chatting away on their cell phone, thus giving those drivers the opportunity to stay in front of me, so I can keep a stern eye on them.

Now, I am sure that most Barbadians have heard that there is a substantial body of research which shows that using a mobile phone while driving is a significant distraction, and substantially increases the risk of the driver crashing. It has been proven that drivers who use a mobile phone are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around them. They fail to see road signs, fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed, are more likely to ‘tailgate’ the vehicle in front and react more slowly and take longer to brake. Such persons are also more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic and feel more stressed and frustrated. They are also four times more likely to crash, injuring or killing themselves and/or other people, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, in the UK.

I am sure we would all agree that a simple earpiece that accompanies a cellular phone, costs much less than the same cellphone. So why are persons refusing to buy or use such a vital piece of equipment? The most recent information I have suggests that whilst it will soon become an illegal act for drivers here to hold mobile phones to their ears whilst driving, if proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Act are approved. The amended legislation will however legalise the use of Bluetooth and other hands-free devices while driving. I know the jury is still out on this one amongst road safety advocates, but some countries actually allow this, for those who are addicted to their cellphones. It would seem these “phone addicts” enjoy the thrill of chatting while driving, as they manoeuvre in and out of traffic, albeit with a few near misses and close calls.

I am seeing all calibre of persons, driving all types of vehicles – from small cars to big tour buses, using cell phones whilst driving. I have seen persons so in love with their mobile device, that they cannot spare a moment to part with it, so instead, they struggle with basic right and left turns out of junctions, all the while clutching that prized cell phone. I have seen others throw their heads back for a good laugh, while in the midst of tight traffic jams, as they inch closer to the driver in front. I have also seen some employ great tact while bopping to and fro, on major road ways. When I see some of these drivers, I marvel. I also ask myself, what on earth will it take for these drivers to realise that in the absence of law, commonsense should prevail?

If you deem a call to be urgent or you need to send a message to someone who is awaiting your arrival, then simply pull over on the shoulder of the road and make contact. This takes only two minutes or less. I therefore want to use this column today, to urge the Barbadians to resist the temptation of using their mobile phones while driving. A good motivator to avoid such temptation, is to picture yourself trying to explain to a police officer what went so wrong, so as to cause a very bad vehicular accident. That alone should serve as a deterrent, for those who want to remain on the good side of the law.

Barbados Advocate

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