International Telecommunication Union, ITU has cautioned Nigeria and other developing countries against the use of technology while behind the wheels to avoid auto accidents. According to the international body, developing countries have the highest number of casualties of over 1.3 million people involved in road accidents globally every year resulting in USD 518 billion economic loss.
This was revealed by Hamadoun Toure Secretary – General, International Telecommunication Union, ITU in a message at this year World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2013, which was titled: ICTs and Improving Road Safety”.
He however acknowledged how ICT s is transforming society and enriching lives but he cautions that they should be use moderate especially while driving to ensure road traffic safety which he describes as ‘a global concern for public health and injury prevention”.
“ICTs play a catalytic role in creating opportunities for people in every work of life. Today, even as we take to the streets in our vehicles, we have the tools at our fingertips to communicate across the world, navigate through dense traffic and find our way in unfamiliar terrain” ,
He also adds “Do not be distracted by technology when driving, whether calling from your mobile phone, or setting the navigation system. Sending a text message or tweeting while driving is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all cost”.
The activities which he called ‘driver distraction and road user behavior’ according to him are among the leading contributors to road traffic fatalities and injuries.
He also called on Nigeria and other member states, industry partners to promote the use of safe interfaces and hands-free devices in vehicles and also take action to eliminate technology related distractions using national policies.
He further pushes for development and use of intelligent transport systems which he said will not only help in preventing traffic accidents but also improve efficiencies in traffic management.
He also noted that international telecommunication Union, ITU had been developing standards for safe user interfaces and communication systems in vehicles design which he said will optimize driving performance by eliminating unsafe technology- related distractions.
“ ITU has been leading worldwide efforts in developing state-of – the art ICT standards for Intelligent Transport Systems and driver safety that utilize a combination of computers, communications, positioning and automation technologies including in a car radars for collision avoidance” , Toure says.
He also hinted that in years to come ITU will be working with International Automobile Association, an umbrella body Automobile Association worldwide to achieve the plans.
