You heard of tennis elbow. Now there is a new medical condition; the
selfie wrist! It is caused by the overuse of a cell phone to photograph yourself!
It involves holding the cell phone at arm’s length, usually at
an odd angle. This results in a selfie wrist which is a form of the carpal
tunnel syndrome. The selfie-wala may experience a sharp pain which comes from
bending the wrist into an unnatural posture. This results in a tingling
sensation, numbness and a sharp pain in the wrist.
This is the carpal tunnel syndrome which happens when the median nerve
is squeezed, bent or twisted.
Have you ever wondered why more and more cars are fitted with push
buttons to start-stop the cars?
It was the feedback to the car manufacturers from senior citizens. A lot
of them were suffering from arthritis of the wrist joint. It was easy to insert
the key into the slot behind the steering wheel, which unlocked the steering
wheel. It was painful to twist the key to start the car.
A button can be pushed easily with the thumb or any finger.
Other dangers related to taking selfies; falling off cliffs, drowning in
rivers, crashing your car! Like auto related deaths, India has the dubious
distinction of leading the world in selfie related deaths!
Misuse, disuse, abuse of anything in Bharat is the norm. The
accompanying image is a red plastic reflective triangle that comes with the
tool kit of cars today. It is for a very specific purpose.
In case of a breakdown, it should be placed at a safe distance, about 20
metres, behind the stalled vehicle. It will warn on-coming traffic of an
obstacle ahead.
The record pile-up on the highway this last winter, due to fog, goes to
a 40 car crash near Fatehgarh Sahib. One after another, the cars rammed into
the twisted metal on the road due to extremely poor visibility. Police said not
one warning triangle was found at the scene of the pile-up!
Anybody who has this red triangle, displays it proudly on the front of
the vehicle, especially the commercial vehicles. It serves no purpose at the
front.
First let us understand what is the purpose of this red triangle.
If displayed on the road side on a supporting pole, apex pointing down,
it means give way to traffic from left or right. It will generally be found at
the intersection of a minor road with a major road. In the absence of such
a sign follow the International ruling, priority to traffic on your right.
Displayed on the road, it means some intelligent and concerned
driver ahead maybe changing a wheel or has had a break down.
Place it at a distance so that the driver who sees it has enough slowing
down distance.
In case of poor visibility, this red triangle is invaluable. However you
have another problem. If you place it out of sight, for sure it will be stolen!
You should have your hazard flashers on.
They are to be used only when the car is stationary.
If there has been a multi-car collision, do not remain seated in
the car. Move to a safe distance. A bus, car, truck travelling at speed coming
into contact with other vehicles will send bits of steel, glass, plastic flying
in all directions!
Now that we are on the subject of road signs, please familiarise
yourself with all the road signs. They follow into three categories.
Mandatory; these must be obeyed, like no parking, do not enter, no left
turn and so on.
Cautionary; these are to make your driving safe like narrow bridge,
steep hill, Sharp curve, road repairs in progress or whatever to alert you.
Informative; these help you to find your way around the city. They will
display hotel, restaurant, hospitals, lay bye, refuelling station.
