TECHNOLOGY can improve the quality of life. But it also brings serious dangers if not used properly. In that regard, the use of mobile phones by motorists pose a real threat, not just to themselves and to their passengers, but to the public at large. Research has shown that people who use hand-held phones while driving are four times more likely to have a crash than those who obey the law.
Drink and speeding have long been regarded as the major causes of death on Irish roads. Not much research was done on the possible influence of hand-held mobile phones. But, given that the age profile of those likely to be involved in a crash coincides with high mobile phone usage, the correlation could be significant. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will attempt to counteract this dangerous and illegal behaviour by encouraging motorists to switch off or set their mobile phones to silent before they begin a journey; to use voicemail and to stop regularly to check messages. Just as important, it will encourage callers to such motorists to postpone conversations until it is safe.
Four years ago, it became an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. And while enforcement of the new law has been somewhat patchy, more than 45,000 offending motorists have been detected and penalised by members of the Garda Síochána. After speeding, it has become the most common motoring offence. It attracts an on-the-spot fixed charge of €60 and two penalty points.
When the law was introduced, it was generally believed that the use of hands-free equipment reduced or eliminated the danger. As a result, such usage was not made an offence. An amendment is now required. Chief executive of the RSA Noel Brett says that using a hands-free mobile phone while driving is no safer than using a hand-held piece of equipment. Texting while driving can be even more dangerous.
This dangerous activity by motorists can be successfully tackled through education and strict enforcement. A survey by the RSA has shown that a number of “black spots” exist in the State where the law is widely ignored. Motorists are generally compliant in other districts. One-in-10 Cork drivers were found to break the law. Parts of Kildare were equally bad. The figure dropped to one-in-25 in Dublin and Galway and to one-in-50 in Athlone. Increased Garda activity should act as a deterrent. But the most effective response will involve personal discipline.