The city's law-enforcers think the bluetooth option in cars is a dangerous idea but the man on the street wants to know how it's different from speaking to a companion while driving
The city's law-enforcers think the bluetooth option in cars is a dangerous idea but the man on the street wants to know how it's different from speaking to a companion while driving
Fiat can crow all it wants about its Blue and Me bluetooth feature in the Punto and Linea but the authorities are not impressed.
The view from above is that talking on the mobile phone, hands-free or not, is illegal.
R V D'Souza, joint commissioner, transport (rural and urban), said, "The use of a mobile phone in any form is banned since it distracts the driver and may lead to accidents. Even a fraction of a second is enough for an accident to take place. I am not aware of this Bluetooth device installed in vehicles, I will have to inspect it."
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That's something that even Panduranga Rane, DCP traffic-east, plans on doing. But the jury on the streets is already having its say.
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Justice M F Saldanha is categorical about the need to ban the new device. "This Bluetooth Blue and Me which is available in Fiat Punto is not permissible. When a person starts using the mobile phone, it becomes difficult for him to concentrate on driving and automatically, the chances of accidents increases." Car users, however, don't agree.
It's harmless
"The bluetooth facility is hands-free and it's just like the driver talking to a person in the vehicle while driving. According to me, it's harmless," says M Srinivas, a car-owner. There are others who feel that if people can ride or drive while listening to music, they should be allowed to have a telephonic conversation too.
According to Sanjay Kumar, a car enthusiast, "I don't think there is any risk in using a mobile phone while driving. Most people use the music system while driving but this does not affect their concentration or cause any accidents."
Also, says Firos Khan, car-owner, "Cops catch people using phones while on a two-wheeler or driving a four-wheeler. I have seen people using mobiles while riding bicycles.
Why is there no action against them? The person using the mobile phone will take care of his safety."
Money-spinners?
But professor M N Sreehari, traffic advisor to the state government, thinks such vehicle manufacturers are only doing it for money and should not be encouraged.
"When four-wheeler manufacturers give all sorts of facilities to buyers, why can't two-wheeler manufacturers provide even a a basic safety tool or 'helmets' to their customers," asks Sreehari.
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Auto expert Indresh M R agrees that phone conversations while driving can be distracting but says, "the advantage of the system is that conversations can be stored and listened to later."
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But the fact remains that the conversation is carried out while driving.
The officials at Fiat were not available for comment despite repeated attempts.
What's the fuss about?
The new Blue and Me device in Fiat's Punto and Linea involves bluetooth technology and allows the driver to use the mobile phone with the help of the car's speakers.
"This Bluetooth device is available in all accessories shops and can be fitted to any car. The price ranges from Rs 11,000 to Rs16,000. We sellu00a0 quite a number of pieces and it's in demand," says Vinay of Car Decor.
Booked
Till June 30 this year, police booked 24,108 people for using a mobile phone while driving. Figures for previous years are:
2008: 40,282
2007: 19,372
2006: 29,496
2005: 34,131
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