MoI forum to help curb cellphone use while driving
Moody Talat
Doha
In a new approach to raise awareness about improper behaviour among motorists, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Sunday launched a discussion forum on its official website highlighting the risks of using mobile phones while driving.
"It's a widespread practice to use mobile phones (for talking, texting or using any of its applications) while driving a car. This wrong behaviour carries great risks which may end in disastrous consequences. The global statistics in this regard indicate that the most serious traffic accidents happen when someone uses his mobile phone while driving," the MoI states in the forum post.
The ministry said despite efforts made by the authorities and prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving (such as texting, chatting, voice messaging, using camera), the practice is on the rise, especially after the"spread of a number of applications and electronic games on smartphones, more recently".
Interestingly, the opening of MoI's forum on using mobile phones while driving comes close on the heels of the Communications Regulatory Authority's (CRA) official notice advising consumers to exercise caution about apps that use location services and personal data, such as 'Pok`mon GO'.
In its statement, the CRA urges users to be aware of their surroundings while walking around in public, as well as ensure that they don't play 'Augmented Reality' mobile games and apps while driving and obey all traffic laws.
To encourage the public to actively participate in the forum, the MoI has asked its social media followers and website visitors about how they see this practice."Do you think that there are real situations (in which) people need to use the phone while driving? What are the appropriate solutions to reduce (this) grave practice? Share with us your suggestions, thoughts and comments," the post says.
Who is the kitten in the picture and does anyone have her cellphone number ?