Road Safety Officials Call for Tougher Penalties for Using Phones While Driving
The head of the public program dedicated to road safety wants stricter rules to curb the habit of using mobile phones behind the wheel. He argues that only severe penalties will deter drivers from picking up a device while on the move. The current fine is 1,500 rubles, but he envisions a substantial increase, suggesting penalties in the neighborhood of 25,000 rubles to make a real impact. This position was voiced during an interview with a national news outlet, underscoring the urgency of addressing distracted driving through stronger consequences.
According to the official, the issue has not received serious attention because the cameras designed to catch phone use while driving have not produced clear results yet. He believes that the solution lies in significantly higher penalties, specifically targeting conversations on mobile devices without headsets. The proposed range emphasizes a tough stance on handheld phone use in traffic and signals a shift toward more stringent enforcement as a deterrent for drivers who compromise safety for a quick call or text.
As part of the argument, the official points to a comparison with traffic safety measures in the United Kingdom. He notes that the UK long ago introduced cameras to detect drivers using phones, and he cites statistics suggesting a large share of road incidents are linked to mobile device use. The implication is that technology and enforcement work together to reduce risky behavior behind the wheel, and the UK experience is offered as a model for stricter, technology-driven enforcement elsewhere.
Historic developments show that authorities have experimented with recording drivers who use phones while on the move. The use of video monitoring to track driver behavior represents a broader trend toward real time data collection for road safety. In some regions, authorities have deployed cameras to monitor mobile device use, aiming to capture concrete evidence of violations and to support enforcement actions. The conversation surrounding these measures reflects a broader strategy to reduce distraction on the roads and protect vulnerable road users.
Public commentary on this issue has included high profile figures from sports and coaching circles. A well known athlete and public figure, who engages with social media content, faced scrutiny after sharing a video captured while driving. Observers noted that the individual appeared to proceed through a pedestrian signal while a crosswalk was in use by pedestrians. This incident has sparked a discussion about personal responsibility and the safety implications of mobile device use during driving. An influential coach recently weighed in, warning against filming or posting while driving, emphasizing that such behavior can undermine safety and set a poor example for fans and followers. The overall conversation highlights a mix of policy proposals, public accountability, and the importance of modeling safe driving practices for the broader community.