Ban cell phone use on the road

Although usage of cell phones by pillion riders and motorists has become a common practice, pedestrians proceeding along the road do not lag far behind. Not only men, but even young girls and women indulge in this undesirable and harmful practice. What is more embarrassing is that such conversations on the phone are held even while crossing the road. Under such circumstances there is every possibility of a serious mishap taking place sooner or later. During ‘Road Safety Week’, held every year, traffic police issue challans to pillion-riders and motorists conversing over cell phones while driving vehicles. But pedestrians who also invite trouble to their lives by conversing in the middle of the road are not taken to task. In terms of assuring safety to innocent pedestrians, it would be worth for the RTO officials, as also the police traffic cell, to prohibit usage of cell phones by pedestrians while walking or crossing the road. Cash fines should be levied on defaulters to be paid on the spot. I hope the concerned authorities take serious note of this important matter and initiate favorable positive action.