Image Credit: inquizimedia
Using your mobile device right now? Not a problem at all but where you are using it determines if it’s a problem. On the walkway? On the road? In your office? On your bed? In a bus? In your car with you as the driver? On a bike?
If you are in motion while using it, you are a hazard to your environment and you’re doing what my fellow safety professionals would call an “unsafe act”. You are a distracted road user and as such could cause problems for both motorists and pedestrians. Our generation has caught the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) fever, as such we are always on our devices. It’s either we are chatting, checking out what others are doing, reading stories or listening to music. Either way, we are caught up in our own world and are not fully aware of our immediate environment. And this can kill you.
This is not an exaggeration. Few weeks ago, another person was killed by a train in the Ikeja axis of Lagos. She was listening to music and her ears were blocked with earphones. Most deaths that have occurred on that particular railway were due distracted road users. There have also been lots of bike and car mishaps because either the pedestrian or motorist was absorbed in the use of mobile devices. Even though most of the deaths were due to use of mobile devices, other forms of distraction like eating, making up, thinking of problems can lead to accidents when we are in motion. We therefore need to cut off all distraction when using the road.
With just a little lifestyle adjustment we can become better pedestrians and motorists without being a source of harm to others.
1) Put away your phone
Yes, put it away. Preferably somewhere far so that you have to make an effort to get to it. As soon as you get to your destination, you can continue. If it is urgent, stop, get off the active walkway/road first before whipping out the device.
Did you know the road safety law regarding use of phones when driving does not say “receiving calls”? It mentions “use of phone” and that phrase encompasses a lot not just taking calls. Be guided.
2) Stop multi tasking
Doing make up or eating while driving can get you into trouble. All you need is the wrong pothole, careless driver or distracted pedestrian and the rest is history. Remember that in driving just a little swerve when you’re at a top speed can spiral into an accident. So, focus. It’s better to get to your destination first, apply the makeup or eat the food. Or better still, since you’re already late, finish your makeup and eat before heading out.
3) Stop thinking about your problem on the road
If you get knocked down by a vehicle before you get to your destination, how does that solve your problem? Stop thinking on the road, focus on trying to get to where you are going. You have enough time at your destination to think.
The little things we take for granted could be the difference between life or death. It could be the difference between complete health and reduced quality of life. Commit to choose the safe choice always.
