LAWMAKERS in the Philippines are pushing for a legislation banning motorists from using their mobile phones while driving. The bill has been approved on third reading and final reading at the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the Philippine Congress. The proposed law seeks to impose a fine of P10,000 and revocation of the driver's license as added penalty for repeated violations. The bill is expected to be passed by bicameral Congress without much opposition. The lawmakers have noted that accidents have occurred while drivers are using their mobile phones behind the wheel. Drivers distracted by phone calls and text messages are prone to accidents, and pose a hazard to other people. Some cities and towns in the Philippines have banned the use of cell phones while driving, but enforcement of the ban is not strictly imposed. The lawmakers hope that their actions would make a difference. The Philippine problem strikes a familiar chord here in the Kingdom. There have been many announcements that motorists are prohibited to use their cellphones while driving, no one seemed to have taken heed of the prohibition. It isn't rare to see motorists in Jeddah and other cities in the Kingdom chatting on their cellphones – or worse even texting - while driving. The primary reason is that police do no seem to mind the violations. As in the Philippines, where not only the congressmen but also the public are calling desperately for the strict enforcement of the ban, safety authorities in the Kingdom must start implementing the ban. If the police cannot be present on all streets at the same time, random arrest and ticketing of erring drivers could discourage drivers from using their cell phones while on the wheel. Accidents may not be eliminated totally, because accidents are accidents, but these can be curbed if only law enforcers take their job to heart. __
