HASAN HADI /Dehradun
On the busy roads of the provisional State capital Dehradun, many auto-rickshaw drivers are seen using their mobile phones while driving. This risky behaviour is increasing the risk of road traffic accidents while also inconveniencing passengers and other commuters. Going around the city, this correspondent witnessed many auto drivers talking on their phones while carrying passengers or goods.
Citizens have expressed alarm at this continued violation of traffic rules, adding that using a phone while driving can lead to serious accidents. One person, not wanting to reveal his name, said that he recently escaped an accident. He said both the biker and the auto driver were on their phones. The biker tried to overtake and hit the side of the auto. “This could have caused a big accident,” he said.
One auto driver also accepted this mistake. He said, “Yes, this is dangerous. I am also an auto driver and I talk on the phone while driving, but I keep it on speaker. Still, this should not be done. I will not do this again in the future.”
An elderly man, Virender Tyagi, said that people have complained about this issue many times. He said that the Regional Transport Office and superintendent of the police (Traffic) should ensure strict action in such cases of violation of traffic rules. “We feel scared for our children who travel in school vans. Their drivers should drive safely and avoid such mistakes,” he said.
Daily commuter Priya Sharma said, “I travel to work in an auto rickshaw every day. Many times I have seen drivers talking on the phone. It makes us feel unsafe throughout the journey,” she said.
Another commuter, Rahul said, “The roads are already crowded. If drivers use their phones, they lose focus. One small mistake can harm many people. Strict rules are needed.”
SP (Traffic) Lokjeet Singh said that strict action is being taken against those who are caught using phones while driving. He also said that awareness programmes will continue to be held to teach drivers safe driving and to tell them not to use phones while driving.
