Dangers inherent in the use of Mobile Phones while driving

         Driving is a complex task, requiring drivers to use and coordinate a number of skills. Any lapse in concentration increases the risk of the vehicles being involved in a crash.
Inattention is regarded as a contributing factor for 33% of fatal crashes and 45% of serous injury crashes per year.
Driving while using a hand-held mobile phone can cause both physical and mental distractions which impair driving performance. Using a mobile phone while driving can significantly impair a driver's:
                                              * Reaction time
                                              * Visual search patterns
                                              * Ability to maintain speed and position on the road
                                              * Ability to judge safe gaps in traffic
                                              * General awareness of other road users.
Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times. The most common types of crashes associated with mobile usage are "run off the road" crashes and "rear end crashes".
Using of mobile phones is a distraction that accounts for thousands of car crashes every year, though an anomaly, it has become a norm among Nigerian drivers
Texting and Driving on a mobile phone while driving have emerged two of the most dangerous forms.
Text messaging is particularly hazardous as it involves all three type of distractions, Visual,Manual and Cognitive and it is an increasingly common behaviour.

We do not know when or how we will die, I personally do not like thinking of that, but there are certain instances of death, which are avoidable, and a tragic waste. death caused by the use of mobile phones and other telecommunication gadgets rank high in this category. There is no doubt that Mobile phones are an effective and versatile means of communication utilised and loved both by the old and youths alike, They are portable and make for fast and easy communication. Yet , this novel device has sadly been the cause of the death of many. Only recently, a youth corp member, on his way home after collecting his first ever pay check, was crushed to death, by a moving train.
How? He had his headphones on and so the sound of the on-coming train was blocked out. His body was mangled. Many will rush to conclusion, passing judgement and blaming the irresponsibility and exuberance on the part of the young, who, many will claim, are too attached to their mobile phones, which is true , I, personally is guilty of this.
Nevertheless, numerous adults also suffer from the malaise, and both Young and old have died from  negligent use of their Blackberries,iphones, android devices, ipads e.t.c while driving or walking down the street, oblivious of their surroundings
 As a result, Government and Local authorities across the world have put measures or legislation in place to address the problem. In many countries, mobile phone use whilst driving is banned, except some hands-free device is used.
 A bill sponsored a few years ago in the senate to specifically legislate against the use of mobile phones while driving has still not been passed into law.

In conclusion, every driver on Nigerian roads should have these points in mind while driving, in order to avoid crashes brought about by the use of mobile phones:
* Never read or send text messages while driving
*Pull over safely and pack to make or receive a call.
*Plan to break your trip for phone calls when neccesary.

To cap it all, the Nigerian Government should put measures in place via the print and electronic media and through all other mediums of information to sensitise he citizenry on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.
Thank you for reading :-)