MY FAMILY and I had a disturbing ride in a TransCab vehicle last
Friday. The driver was weaving constantly within the lane throughout the
journey and the cause of it was his constant checks on the video camera
showing the real-time image of the road ahead.
Reaching the destination, I asked
him if the camera was a distraction while driving and he replied that
he paid for it and installed it, and it was essential to safeguard his
interest should an accident occur.
Is there any quality control over the types of
cameras that can be installed and is any training given to taxi drivers
to use them without compromising safe driving?
It cannot be safe for the driver and passengers if the cabby keeps checking the camera instead of focusing on the road ahead.
Is this not akin to installing a DVD player at
the front of the vehicle where the driver's attention is taken away
from the road?
Often what may be a good practice may
ironically lead to the very result we wish to avoid. While the proactive
measure undertaken by cabbies is well-meaning, the ride I endured
suggests that such vigilance may not only be self-defeating, but also
dangerous.
Perhaps taxi operators and the Land Transport
Authority (LTA) should review the types of cameras installed and their
safe use by cabbies.
John Lim
PS:
Seriously, I don't why he need to keep looking at the monitor.
If its true, than he really need to have have his brain check.
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