In today’s fast-paced world, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of our lives. However, the misuse of these devices, particularly while riding two-wheelers, has become a dangerous and deadly habit.
Having recently migrated from Bengaluru to Vijayapura, I have noticed that, despite Vijayapura being less chaotic than Bengaluru, the same alarming behaviour persists—people riding bikes without helmets and using mobile phones simultaneously. This reckless habit highlights a distressing disregard for safety and life.
As a neurosurgeon, I recently encountered a heart-breaking case involving a young child who suffered a head injury after being hit by a two-wheeler. The rider, distracted by their mobile phone, failed to notice the child in time. Although both the child and the rider were fortunate to escape with minor injuries, not everyone is so lucky.
Globally, distracted driving and riding are significant contributors to road accidents, and India is no exception. Statistics reveal that nearly 25% of road crashes in the country are linked to mobile phone distractions. This alarming behaviour not only endangers the rider but also innocent pedestrians and other road users, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Despite numerous awareness campaigns and strict traffic laws, this perilous trend continues unabated across cities like Bengaluru, Belagavi, and Vijayapura, as well as other parts of the country. The lack of helmet usage further compounds the risk, leaving riders even more vulnerable to life-threatening injuries in the event of an accident.
Addressing this issue requires a collective effort. Alongside stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, spreading awareness about the grave consequences of these habits is crucial. Wearing helmets and resisting the urge to use mobile phones while riding are simple but life-saving practices.
Let us prioritize safety over convenience and ensure that the roads become safer for everyone. It is high time we recognize the deadly consequences of these habits and take responsibility for protecting not just our own lives but those of others as well.
Dr. Kaku Mayur Vinaykumar, M.Ch (Neuro Surg)
J S S Hospital
Vijayapura
