A New Perspective on Road Safety Against Digital Distraction

New Delhi | 23 December 2025

Road accidents in India are no longer only a matter of infrastructure or traffic management. They increasingly reflect changing social behaviour, especially the growing habit of using mobile phones while driving. Digital distraction has quietly emerged as one of the most dangerous threats to road safety today.

Mobile phone use while driving reduces attention, slows reaction time, and leads to poor decision-making. What often begins as “just one call” or “a quick message” can turn fatal. Among young drivers in particular, constant engagement with social media and messaging apps has significantly weakened driving discipline. Despite laws and penalties, this behaviour continues to rise, making it a serious concern.

In this context, the behaviour-based road safety approach proposed under World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) becomes highly relevant. Instead of focusing only on punishment or enforcement, this approach emphasises awareness, self-discipline, and personal responsibility. Digital discipline must be seen as an essential civic responsibility, just like following traffic rules. Staying away from mobile phones while driving should come from awareness and concern for human life, not fear of fines.

Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, Founder of World Digital Detox Day, met with the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, at his official residence in New Delhi. During the meeting, they held an in-depth discussion on road accidents caused by mobile phone usage while driving and the urgent need for behavioural change.

Dr. Chaudhari presented practical, behaviour-oriented solutions focusing on youth, digital habits, and responsible driving culture. The conversation highlighted how awareness campaigns, mindset shifts, and citizen participation can play a crucial role in reducing accidents.

Shri Nitin Gadkari listened attentively to the proposal and strongly emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in road safety. He appreciated the initiative and extended his positive support and best wishes for the movement.

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World Digital Detox Day is a noble, non-profit global peace movement that began in Maharashtra and is now active in 78 countries, working day and night to protect children, families, and society from the harmful impact of digital overuse.

If roads are to become safer, it is not enough to widen them. Drivers’ attention must also widen. Putting the phone away, even for a short while, may be the difference between life and death.

#RoadSafety #DigitalDistraction #WorldDigitalDetoxDay #NoMobileWhileDriving #DigitalDiscipline #PublicSafety #WDDD

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