Being addicted to music can jeopardise one’s life. In an unfortunate incident recently, 21-year-old Priya Jain was so engrossed in listening to music even while crossing the road that she failed to see and dodge the DTC bus that ran over her in Vikas Marg. She’s not alone. Many Delhiites admit being guilty of not being cautious enough on the road.
Twenty-four-year old Rhythm Bajaj was riding his bike when he was hit. He agrees he is to be blamed for it. “I was checking my calls and listening to music when this car hit me from behind. Luckily, it wasn’t a major accident. I have sold my bike, but continue to have the earphones on when I am outside. I don’t think I will change,” he says.
Media professional Neha Kapoor bumped her head two days in a row on her way to her workplace. She shares, “It was peak summer time, and I was wearing a hat, my glares and earphones when suddenly I hit my head on this wall. It was painful and embarrassing. I was so engrossed in music that I didn’t look up. I am addicted to music and it’s always on when I leave my house for work.”
Many people just can’t do without their dose of music. Shikha Sharma, professional, admits many like her are obsessed with music, “I recently banged into another car while I was trying to fix my handsfree while driving. I think it’s ridiculous how many of us walk on the roads and drive with these earphones on. This can happen to anyone, and you can’t expect a ban on earphones, but we need to be alert.”
Another young driver Rinki reveals how she had to bear the brunt of her stupidity. “While crossing the road the other day I was listening to my iPod and didn’t see this car approaching. The driver stopped the car and came out and shouted at me. But I prefer listening to music to avoid the noise on the roads, it’s soothing but can also prove dangerous.”