Govt to tackle headphone dangers in campaign

The Government plans to launch a campaign to sensitise the public to the dangers of using headphones in public places, particularly while exiting vehicles. In a media release, Minister of Communications Jamal Mohammed said using headphones in public is as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than using cellphones while driving.

Mohammed said the use of headphones in public spaces leads to “inattentional blindness”—users are so absorbed or distracted while listening to music and other material they are unaware of their surroundings and what is happening around them. He said this can lead to personal security being compromised or injury as users are unable to hear traffic sounds.

Walking while listening to headphones has led to tripling in motor incidents in several countries, resulting in severe injuries and death. The minister said what is needed is for the motoring public to partner with the Government to keep T&T’s roads safe for all. According to Arrive Alive’s website, there were 181 road fatalities for 2011, with 189 recorded for 2012.