Impose higher fines on motorists using phones

GLOBALLY, the number of road accidents caused by motorists using handphones is increasing.

The United States National Safety Council said about 1.6 million road accidents occurred annually due to people using phones while driving and riding.

A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) said 43.4 per cent of drivers played with their phones while driving. Miros’s survey last year revealed that 61.9 per cent and 53.6 per cent of drivers used their phones at traffic lights and in traffic congestion.

From the survey, it can be concluded that the use of mobile phones while driving may lead to accidents.

The implementation of the Automated Enforcement System and Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) is a welcome move.

AWAS could be redesigned to take pictures of drivers who use phones while driving, especially in city roads.

The time has come for our country to impose higher traffic fines, ranging from RM1,000 to RM2,000, on drivers who are caught using phones.

Oman imposes a maximum fine of RM3,225 for a traffic offence. In Britain, it is RM1,100.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) should work to eradicate the habit of motorists using handphones.

SPAD, through Grab and Uber, should also monitor e-hailing drivers.

The professionalism of e-hailing drivers is not just based on their service to customers.

Their driving behaviour also determines their service performance.