No music in cars!
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No music in cars!
By: Vinod Kumar Menon and Vedika Tripathi
Date: 2008-08-26
Mumbai: While all would agree that the crackdown on drunken driving has made the city a safer place, the traffic police seem to be taking their enthusiasm a bit too far. Next on their agenda - banning music in cars. They believe this will reduce road accidents, as drivers will be less distracted.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, Suburban) S M Sabde said, "Talking on the mobile phone while driving distracts the driver. As does listening to music." He added that those guilty of playing music in a car will be fined Rs 500 under Section 190 (2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which deals with violation of standards of road safety, control of noise and air pollution.
Why did the cops suddenly decide to crack down on music? "The law always existed. All we are doing is follow it seriously, to prevent losing innocent lives. I have already instructed traffic policemen in my jurisdiction (Mahim to Dahisar) to be extra cautious about such violators. We will come down heavily on them in the coming days," Sabde reiterated.
And it's not just loud music that will call for a fine. "The driver will be charged a fine, if he is found playing music - loud or soft." Sabde said. "Music is a hindrance to safe driving. The driver cannot hear the horns. Paying attention to music could lead to accidents," he concluded.
Those caught speaking on mobile phones while driving will have to shell out Rs 100. Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Sanjay Barve said, "Speaking on a mobile phone while driving distracts the attention of the person at the wheel."
[COLOR=red]Research shows[/COLOR]
Research has shown that people took up to 20% longer to perform physical and mental tasks to loud music. If motorists were delayed that long at the wheel, they could suffer a fatal crash, warned the RAC Foundation, a British motoring organisation.
An Israeli researcher said in 2002 that drivers who listen to fast music may have more than twice as many accidents as those listening to slower tracks. Drivers are at even greater risk if they listen to music with a pounding beat rather than more relaxed tunes, according to experts.
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This article in the Midday talks about law already existing that says playing music in cars is illegal! Mumbai Police are planning to fine drivers Rs 500 for playing any kind of music in their cars, however soft.
Firstly this does not make much sense to me. Of course, playing music at glass shattering volumes can be distracting, but imagine someone listening to country music at muted levels. Can he be distracted enough to be a traffic hazard?
I think this is really going too far.
Also, does it mean selling ice equipment is illegal, or is it for responsible citizens to stop their cars and then listen to some music?