Recent data from the Main State Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) indicates that more than 11,000 administrative violations involving the use of mobile phones while driving have been recorded since the beginning of this year.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this statistic highlights that a significant portion of drivers continues to engage in this dangerous habit, which severely compromises road safety.
The Main State Traffic Police Department emphasized that inattention caused by mobile phone use is a primary risk factor for serious road traffic accidents. "Preventing this danger depends not only on enforcement measures but also on every driver's commitment to traffic regulations and maintaining full focus on the road while behind the wheel," the official statement noted.
The department reiterated the primary dangers posed by mobile phone use while driving:
- Distraction: Drivers looking at their phones fail to assess road conditions in real-time, often missing traffic signs, road markings, pedestrians, and other road users.
- Delayed Reaction: Engagement with a mobile device significantly slows a driver's reaction time, limiting the ability to brake or maneuver effectively during sudden hazards.
- Loss of Control: Diverted attention frequently leads to lane drifting, dangerous maneuvers, and an inability to accurately judge safe following distances.
"We must remember that no call, message, or notification is more valuable than human life. Responsible behavior behind the wheel is essential not only for our own safety but for protecting the lives of everyone on the road," the statement concluded.
Road safety remains a priority for the Azerbaijani government, which has been implementing stricter traffic enforcement and awareness campaigns to reduce the number of accidents on the country's roads. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize traffic management and enhance public safety standards across the Republic of Azerbaijan.
