The Government’s move to clamp down on drivers using mobile devices is a laudable one. Previously, drivers were not allowed to use their mobile devices while driving. Since February this year, however, it has been illegal for drivers to even hold a mobile device while driving a car.
The purpose of this move is to help prevent drivers from becoming distracted, for distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of accidents. Many times, collisions occur because the driver looked away from the road for a split second and was unable to react in time.
But in my opinion, if road safety is a priority, then something more needs to be done. If we are going to penalise drivers (and motorcycle riders) for using/holding their mobile devices while driving/riding, then we should penalise pedestrians who do the same thing while crossing the road.
As motorists, many of us have encountered pedestrians who are oblivious to their surroundings because they were either listening to music, texting or talking on their phones. A distracted pedestrian is just as bad as a distracted driver. He or she could suddenly cross the road without checking for traffic, or fail to keep to the side of the road while walking.
My argument is this: As road users, pedestrians should be subject to the same laws as motorists. Why should the onus be on motorists to keep a lookout for them, simply because we are likely to be better off in an accident? Pedestrians should act as responsibly as drivers are required to when using the road, period.
I’ve always believed that the approach to road safety must be a holistic one. Therefore, rules and regulations should apply to all road users. The same goes when it comes to enforcing these rules. After all, we are all equal in the eyes of the law.
