Mobiles and driving

Rule: You are not allowed to use a cell phone (mobile) while driving.

Traffic logic: Both your hands and your attention are distracted when you are using a cell phone. You cannot pay sufficient attention to the traffic, and may cause a crash. You are therefore liable to be challaned for this, but really, you should be more concerned about your safety than a challan.

You can see that texting while driving is even more dangerous, because not even your eyes are on the road or checking traffic.

Hands-free: These sets are permitted in some cities, as your hands are not engaged. However, what is more critical is that your attention is still distracted, much more than a situation in which you are talking to others in the car. Some researches rate it as at par or more dangerous than drunk driving.

It is best to switch the phone to voicemail or off while driving. If not, get a passenger to take your call. Otherwise disconnect the call, find a safe place to stop (off the road or on the side if permitted), and return the call.

Courtesy: While calling up someone on the mobile, always ask first:"Are you driving?" (even before "Are you busy?") If the answer is yes, disconnect and call back later.