Road Traffic calls for compulsory hands-free kits
The Road Traffic Management Corporation believes that all mobile phone packages should be sold with a hands-free kit, and has called on SA operators to actively endorse safe driving by not using a mobile phone when in front of the wheel.
RTMC spokesman, Ashref Ismail told BusinessTech that driving while distracted is of great concern, citing a number of statistics including the fact that drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
The spokesperson also noted that distracted driving was up to six times more dangerous than driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
“We would urge (mobile) industry players to assist government, particularly from an educational level, and to come on board to alert people to the dangers of driving whilst distracted,” Ismail said.
“We all know that technology has a role to play in making our lives easier, but industry players also have a role to play in warning of the dangers of driving whilst distracted.”
Ismail said that RTMC is of the opinion that all mobile packages should come with a hands free kit. “Nobody buys a phone believing that they will only use it when they are at home. Why don’t all mobile packages come with a hands free kit?”
Ismail quickly stressed that whilst using a hands free kit whilst driving would not eliminate potential accidents, “it would minimise, or reduce that potential,” he said. “It’s the lesser of two evils.”
The Road Traffic Management Corporation will monitor the current programme being conducted by the City of Cape Town specifically targeting motorists who talk on their mobile phones whilst driving.
It has been reported that in the last three months, more than 1,600 city motorists have been caught using their phones when driving. A traffic officer is allowed to confiscate a cellphone after a third offence.
Authorities, however, are considering amending the traffic by-law to enable officers to confiscate cellphones from motorists after the first offence.
Ismail said that if the above programme proved successful, the RTMC would consult with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and look at incorporating it as a traffic by-law countrywide.
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