ROAD traffic injuries happen in a majority in developing countries. According to WHO data, death for road traffic injuries account for 25pc of all deaths owing to injuries.

There are various causes ofroad accidents like overspeeding, use of alcohol and drugs, driving on the wrong side, using mobile phones while driving, driver fatigue, non-use of protective crash helmets, rash driving by teenagers, etc. Listening to music during driving is another serious risk factor which is generally ignored.

As per the recent research done by the Royal Automobile Club Foundation of UK and Canada, listening to all types of music during driving may be dangerous as it reduces the capability oftakingquick and correct decisions by the driver. Different types of music have different effects on the human mind. Drivers who listen to heavy-metal music which has more than 60 beats per minute creates violent effects on their mind, resulting in over speeding, breaking of red-light signals, non-tolerance, impatient reactions, etc.

While listening to classical music creates a sedative effect, increasing reaction time for the driver. After publication of the RAC study report in 2013, many Western countries are considering imposition of some limitations on listening to music during driving.

A large number of drivers in the UK, USA and Canada have already stopped listening to music voluntarily during driving.

According to the monthly Tehzeeb, Mumbai has already banned listening to music during driving since 2014 and imposed a Rs500-fine on violation of the law.

We in Pakistan, where enforcement is extremely weak, should not wait for introduction of traffic regulation by the government and we should voluntarily reduce the risl< of accidents by not talking on mobile phones and listening to music while driving.

Faheem Ahsan Karachi