Phoney tales at petrol pumps
Step into any petrol pump in the city and it’s hard to ignore the various warning signs that caution motorists against using their cellphones in the premises. But like every other rule, this one too is bent and broken as it’s a common sight to see people chatting away on their mobile phones at these bunks. What is even more appalling is that despite being aware of the danger that petro-products are volatile when they come into contact with electromagnetic waves, staff at petrol pumps don’t prevent customers from using their phones.
Many people in the city say that a lack of awareness about the danger of this action is what prevents them from following the rules. “I never knew why they asked not to talk while filling petrol. I was under the impression it was for motorists to disperse faster as they may waste time talking on the phone,” says Hemapriya, a communication graduate.
Many point out that customers and staff at very few petrol pumps actually follow these rules. “I’ve seen the signs in many petrol pumps in the city, but no one follows it, so even I don’t bother. But the other day when I was at a petrol pump, the staff actually stopped me from using the phone saying it was dangerous,” explains Vani Jayapriyan, an economics student.
Personnel at petrol pumps however, say it’s tough to get people to follow rules. “We ask motorists not to use their phones near the petrol pump, where they fill petrol. They can wait for two minutes do the talking once they are outside. Moreover, we don’t ask them to switch off, we just request them not to talk near the pump, but there are many who don’t pay heed to our requests,” says the manager of a petrol pump.
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