Using hand-held mobile phones while driving has now become number one killer in road accidents. Latest case to come before court was that of lorry driver who smashed into Ford Mondeo in front of him, while texting to his girlfriend. The tiny car which was sandwiched between two HGV turned into pulp, killing two people instantly.
Due to pressure from MPs, Road Safety Organizations, groundswell public opinion and divested family members, government has reluctantly come to its senses and will soon introduce tough penalties that will include life imprisonment if such incidents result in death of innocent people and for those young drivers with less than two years’ experience will lose their licence, in addition to other penalties. Some activists are seeking even tougher penalties, to treat such offences on par with drink driving and man-slaughter which automatically attracts tougher sentences.
Dwindling police force who are unable to divert resources to such crimes, urges the public to report such offenders by letting police know their number plates, time and street names and they will do the rest.
Most people are reluctant to get involved, although we see these drivers breaking law every day. These are unparalleled, self-inflicted crimes that should attract toughest penalties. As suffering and pain to families who lose their bread-winners is so great that it is our civil duty to oblige.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
