DOHA: The recently recommended proposal by Central Municipal Council (CMC) to install jammer-like devices in vehicles to weaken mobile signals, has been criticised by citizens, especially youngsters.
Many have ridiculed the idea by calling it “illogical” and “impractical”, and suggested to authorities that instead of using devices in cars, they should focus on effectively implementing traffic laws.
They acknowledged that the use of mobile phones, especially for texting, is the main reason for accidents on roads. But they say it is an attitude problem, which can be addressed through awareness, not by using devices or mobile jammers.
“Given the importance of mobile phones in our lives, the CMC recommendation is not practical for several reasons.
“For instance, motorists often need to remain in touch with families, colleagues and others, especially during emergency and when they are driving long distances,” Mohammed Mubarak Al Buainain, a Qatari, was quoted as saying by a local Arabic daily yesterday.
Al Buainain said: “We have laws which prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. We need effective enforcement rather than having more laws and expensive devices to complicate the situation.”
He argued that so long as motorists are using Bluetooth and other modes of hands-free devices for receiving short phone calls, it does not pose much danger as their hands remain free and they can easily concentrate on driving.
Raed Al Shammari, another citizen, echoing similar sentiments, said: “Talking on mobile phones while driving poses much lesser danger compared to texting on social media or watching videos. Motorists using phones for texting should be given harsher punishment.”
He suggested that if feasible, the Internet (mobile/cellular data) in smartphones should be disconnected while driving, not the phone connectivity.
Ghanim Al Hajari, a university student, said: “We are facing harsher punishments under traffic laws, including seizure of vehicles. If my vehicle is confiscated for one month over a violation, how will I commute to college; do authorities want me to sit home for that period? At a time when people are expecting relaxation and changes in some punishments for traffic violations, authorities are proposing to fix devices in cars. I think it is not a viable solution.
“I believe efforts towards changing motorists’ attitude and raising awareness about accidents can be more successful in reducing casualties than coming out with more laws and such ideas.”
Yet another citizen, Abdullah Al Muraikhi, said: “I find it a hilarious idea. For a minute, we can think of disconnecting the motorist’s mobile services to avoid accidents, but what about the passengers in the same car. Why they should be denied the services?”
He said the solution lies in effective implementation of traffic rules which prohibit the use of mobile phones for any purposes while driving, not the devices.
“We should remember that apart from using mobile phones while driving, the high- and low-speed driving pose equal danger to motorists and other road users,” he said. The Peninsula
