Headphones have become a menace

Mmegi Editor | Tuesday June 27, 2017 11:22

Now, there is a new kid-on-the-block: headphones. With the advent of smartphones and other gadgets such as iPad, where an individual can upload hundreds of songs, young people have followed the trend religiously. They put on the headphones 24/7 and it does not matter whether they are in the workplace, driving, commuting or in a social gathering.

They play their music loud.  What is even more disturbing, however, is that some of them cross busy roads wearing these headsets including in places where there is heavy traffic such as Gaborone. Recently a young woman had her life cut short near Riverwalk Mall when she was hit by a truck whilst trying to cross the road. What we learnt of the fateful moment is that she was wearing headphones when the truck ran over her.  

One may assume the driver pressed on the horn. Also, there may have been attempts by bystanders to warn the now deceased pedestrian, who could not hear either because she had put on the headphones on loud volume.  

Whilst it is the duty of all road users to be extra cautious, it should be understood that pedestrians should take an extra mile to ensure their safety as they are more at risk than motorists. 

Crossing the road with headphones on is as dangerous as driving at night with the lights off or texting on the phone.  It is against this background that we call for review of road traffic regulations to make it an offence for any person to cross the road whilst wearing headphones.  

The offence should carry a financial penalty or a community service sentence. This will save more pedestrians, particularly the youth who seem easily excited by new technologies, trends or inventions. 

In the past it was not compulsory to wear seat belts, but as time went on, it became evident that seat belts play a crucial role in saving lives during accidents.

Seat belts are now compulsory for everybody who boards a vehicle and people now appreciate their importance, and those who do not comply are slapped with fines. 

It is an offence to text or use the phone whilst driving and there is a financial penalty for doing that as well. Headphones are a new menace that should be controlled before such tragic incidents get out of hand.

Today’s thought

 “Technology... is a queer thing.  It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other.” 

  – Carrie Snow