“Every time there’s a new tool, whether it’s internet or cell phones or anything else, all these things can be used for good or evil. Technology is neutral; it depends on how it’s used”—Rick Smolan
This world is full of contrasts. There is good as well as evil. There can be two opposing sides to an argument. Actions, like perceptions can have both positive and negative impact depending on how one reacts. Where there is darkness, light creates brightness. In short, for the major part of our lives, we are subjected to observe the good and the bad sides of almost everything that we experience. The same holds true about technology that has given us comfort as never before but simultaneously, has forced us into a sedentary lifestyle.
The twentieth century is unique in the sense that at its commencement, the world was predominantly agricultural, while industrial development was in its teething stages. Towards the century’s end, we achieved remarkable progress - having conquered space, stepped on the Moon, made fantastic inroads in the medical arena, baffled mankind with novel scientific discoveries in human beings’ recorded history. The once unfathomable planet we call Earth has now been converted into a global village with people anywhere easily getting connected with others without as much as moving out of their homes. Now, in real time, one can see what our loved ones are doing across thousands of kilometers. Gone are the days when it used to take weeks for delivery of letters; all it takes now is a few seconds through the internet or better still, a video call with no restrictions on duration.
There is nothing more serious than losing focus while driving, because it not only jeopardizes the transgressor but also endangers innocent members of the public, leading to, in certain cases, irreparable damage to lives and property.
Despite these achievements, some people are not appreciative of these developments. Take for instance the opinion of Tom Green when he talks about internet: “The dirty little secret that nobody likes to talk about is that things just might have been better before the Internet. We had more time to ourselves before cell phones and text messaging and Facebook consumed our lives.” Another observation by Dr. Edward de Bono claims that “there's a danger in the internet and social media. The notion that information is enough, that more and more information is enough, that you don't have to think, you just have to get more information - gets very dangerous.” Regardless of these comments, technology continues to progress at a fast pace reaching next levels within no time.
Of all modern gadgets that have been introduced so far, chief among them is perhaps the mobile phone. It has completely revolutionized our lives in ways that are absolutely unprecedented. From making calls to accessing information in real time, the entire world has been squeezed in this tiny handheld instrument. Activities that could only be performed on a personal computer or laptop can be replicated on a mobile phone, including taking photos on a camera, recording or watching videos, reading books, interacting with applications, playing games and what not. The fact is that if one owns a mobile phone, one can hardly get bored or feel lonely. What a splendid invention! A person’s confidence grows manifold when carrying a phone with a fully charged battery.
Where there are multiple attributes in having this useful appliance in hand, there are a number of drawbacks. See for example what Eddie Vedder an American singer says in this quote: “The way we're attached to our phones these days, they buzz and twitch in our pockets, and we have to look and see if it was a text, a voicemail, or an e-mail. We're almost like lab rats. I tried to eschew the whole cell phone theory until I had kids; then, I had to be reachable at all times.”
Out of all the negatives regarding cell phones, one that tops the list is its use while driving or riding motorbikes. Section 101A of the Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965 - applicable throughout Pakistan - clearly criminalizes the act of using a hand-held mobile telephone or a device which performs an interactive communication function of transmitting and receiving data barring a few exceptions related to emergencies. However, in view of the paltry fine of a maximum of Rs. 500, one can see blatant violation of this provision on the roads.
There is nothing more serious than losing focus while driving, because it not only jeopardizes the transgressor but also endangers innocent members of the public, leading to, in certain cases, irreparable damage to lives and property. Although everyone is aware of the danger associated with distraction, especially where there are fast-moving vehicles around, yet these highly insensitive and reckless (ab)users of this modern technology do not refrain from calling and texting. This kind of behavior forces one to reconsider putting high-tech appliances in the hands of ignorant and irresponsible people who have no regard for law and have no feelings for others. They are ones who have demonized modern technology making it a curse rather than a blessing.
Some time ago, traffic wardens were nabbing violators with remarkable alacrity, sparing no one who was found using a mobile phone while driving, but nowadays, commuters can easily identify such a driver who slows down fast lane traffic, but it appears that those who are duty-bound to control these offenders have decided to desist from implementation of section 101A of the Ordinance.
Unless the people are made to realize that they should strictly observe traffic rules and regulations and unless the government too acknowledges its obligations to enforce the law with iron hands, these breaches will continue.
Consequently, violations are constantly on the rise with drivers shamelessly looking into their cell phones while steering their vehicle with one hand. They are potential killers on the loose and the day is not far when a major catastrophe is bound to occur, especially where motorcyclists are involved in this forbidden act.
Unless the people are made to realize that they should strictly observe traffic rules and regulations and unless the government too acknowledges its obligations to enforce the law with iron hands, these breaches will continue. In civilized countries, videos showing accidents due to the usage of cell phones while driving are publicized to educate the people. Similar activities can be initiated to spread awareness.
A paper by the European Commission says that “the World Health Organization has called for governments to be proactive now in reducing distraction from the use of mobile phones and put in place measures to address mobile phone use among drivers, while simultaneously monitoring and evaluating the effects of these interventions. This will require legislative measures, creative ways of enforcement, some degree of cooperation or regulation of industry, and a shift in societal perceptions about what behaviour is “acceptable” at the wheel.”