Using mobile phones while driving can now land you behind bars too
The prospect of landing in jail may work where road safety education has failed. Talking or texting on a best cell phone deals while driving a vehicle is dangerous, but that doesn't stop most Delhiites from doing so.The possibility of a prison term, however, might do the trick, the Delhi Traffic Police have come to believe. They now plan a drive to prosecute those who use cellphones while at the wheel.
A phoney offender can be booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and punished with a jail term extending up to six months and a fine of Rs.1,000.Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Shukla said the habit of talking on mobile phone is tantamount to dangerous driving.
"Those caught may be arrested and sent to jail. Their vehicles can be impounded and driving licences will also be punched by the traffic police officers," he added.Though the penal provision for talking on the Latest Smartphones while at the wheel is harsh, it has so far failed to work as a deterrent.This can perhaps be attributed to the traffic police's poor prosecution record. Only a handful of motorists are challaned for the offence.
Till May 25 this year, the traffic police have prosecuted about 700 people for the offence. In 2012, the total number of offenders booked was 1,700. The traffic police had arrested 31 persons and mpounded 10 cars last year. The numbers are miniscule considering the traffic police book 8,000-10,000 people every day for all traffic violations. The Delhi Traffic Police, on their part, say there are certain practical difficulties in prosecuting the offenders.ddQW53D
They claim that though the use of Buy Cell Phones by motorists is rampant, it is a little difficult to catch the violators."Many a time, we don't have clear evidence. Also, the punishment is heavy and we have to act judiciously," said an officer."When caught, people come up with some or the other excuse. Many claim they were just singing. We can't randomly stop cars on roads and get into arguments with drivers. That will obstruct traffic movement," the officer added.
Their task has become even more difficult as people have started using hands-free devices to avoid easy detection by the traffic police. Bluetooth devices attached with speakers are also frequently used for talking while driving.The police say it's for the motorists to be disciplined on the road and have regard for others' - and their own - lives.
"We have seen major accidents take place as the drivers were busy with discount cell phones. This is a serious issue related to road safety and people should be aware of the danger it poses," Shukla said.If the driver is busy with the phone, s/he has only one hand on the steering, he added. People also take their eyes off the road while talking on phone.