Motorists should stop using their handphones while driving – even when they are on hands-free kit, said global road safety ambassador Michelle Yeoh. The international celebrity said some motorists even texted while driving, which could result in fatalities.
The Star/ Asia News Network reports.
“It is distracting because one has to look down to text while driving,” she said. “All it takes is a split second for an accident to happen. Texting is a definite no,” she added after attending the launch of ‘Driving is a No Phone Zone’ campaign at Help University College here yesterday.
“We must stand firm. This goes beyond political will. Many lives can be lost if we do not take preventive measures,” said the James Bond girl.
The campaign, a collaboration between the Road Safety Department and the college, was launched by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha.
It is inspired by the “No Phone Zone” campaign introduced by popular talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who had called on road users to not use their handphones or hands-free kit when driving.
Yeoh, who leads the Make Road Safe campaign, said each individual had a role to play in preventing crashes. “Enforcement alone isn’t enough,” she said.
“We are all road users. All of us are responsible for our lives and the lives of our loved ones while on the road. Everyone has the right to use the road safely,” she said, adding that the UN would launch its international road safety plan in May.
Kong said the campaign was to foster a healthy road safety culture although it was already an offence to talk and drive without a hands-free kit.
“Although the law does not specify the banning of hands-free devices, studies revealed that the use of handphones causes distractions to drivers and has a similar effect as drunk driving,” he said.
“Studies have also shown that the use of handphones, even with hands-free devices, can cause drivers to be less sensitive to their surroundings.”
Help University College president and co-founder Datuk Dr Paul Chan said it would help the ministry raise awareness about the campaign.
Michelle Yeoh – Make Roads Safe and YOURS
In March of last year, YOURS’ director took a photo opportunity to join forces with the Make Road Safe campaign and since then has joined the United Nations Global Road Safety Partnership championing the youth cause at a global level of authority.
Dmitry Sambuk, Make Roads Safe campaign: “Sadly, road crashes are the biggest killer of young people in the world. We need joint efforts to reduce these road deaths and injuries if we are to fulfil the aims of the recently adopted UN Decade of Action on Road Safety. And it is essential to have a strong voice of the youth during the Decade of Action. Therefore the Make Roads Safe campaign is pleased to welcome YOURS and looks forward to effective cooperation.”
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