Usage of mobile phones while driving is undeniably a major distraction for the drivers as they tend to lose their focus on road conditions. Several road accidents that has lead to death and grave injuries have been attributed to usage of mobile phones while driving.
Despite, drivers being constantly reminded not to use their phones while behind the wheel, it looks like they pay no heed to it. Especially, drivers of call taxis have been alleged of such accusations very frequently.
In this regard, we had been receiving several complaints on call taxi drivers who use cell phone while driving and operate the cars very inattentively. Among the complaints received, most of them were on call taxi operator 'Uber'.
Passengers who frequently use call taxi allege that the drivers show negligence on passenger safety, as they tend to talk or text using their cell phones while driving. And, that they tend to focus more on their financial targets rather on passenger safety.
Proving the accusations, today, we received a complaint along with pictures of a Uber call taxi driver who was involved in cell-phone driving at 2:25 pm on the Brooke-bond Road flyover. The driver was spotted using cell-phone while operating his car through the high traffic zone at the fly over causing traffic congestion to other commuters.
Such incidents make us wonder, if the taxi operator has any set policy regarding the protocols to be followed by it's drivers? or they are just software-managed? Rather than just charging very competitively, globally recognized call taxi operators like Uber should take up the responsibility of passenger safety and devise protocols for their drivers to adhere.
The Coimbatore City Traffic Police have done their part conducting awareness campaigns to impart the dangers of cell-phone driving and have also levied heavy fines on offenders periodically. But in reality though, it is only through people's responsible behavior that these incidents could be contained.