Hyderabad: Helmets are designed to protect riders, but the growing habit of wearing earphones inside them is having the reverse effect -- turning safety into risk.Loud music or ongoing calls distract the attention of such riders even from traffic sounds, including honks and approaching vehicles. This is potentially dangerous. Hyderabad’s traffic police say enforcing laws against the ‘use of mobile phones while driving’ and unnecessary honking is not easy, especially in view of the city’s growing traffic. A senior cop said it was difficult to pinpoint violators especially when the location of commuters keeps changing. “We have designated non-honking zones near schools and hospitals. But air horns and multi-tone horns mostly used by buses, trucks and sometimes youngsters on bikes or scooters is a problem,” he said. “These horns are also sold online, making it hard to track every store or supplier,” the officer stated. Some industries use such horns to alert workers about announcements or shift changes. “Enforcement becomes tricky because these industrial uses are legitimate, but the same equipment, if installed in vehicles, violates the Motor Vehicles Act,” the official added. Listening to music through earphones while riding further is only increasing the danger, as it blocks the sound of approaching vehicles from behind. This always results in delayed reactions leading to accidents. Sudden loud honks can also startle pedestrians or other two-wheeler riders, causing them to lose balance or fall abruptly. Officers warn that both these practices not only violate traffic rules but also put the rider and others on the road at serious risk. An inspector from the traffic training institute said driving requires three core senses — manual, visual and cognitive. “Using a mobile phone while driving disturbs the cognitive sense, leading to poor judgment. Even if the driver is not directly using the phone, receiving distressing or exciting news — the mental impact can still affect driving decisions,” he said. In India, unlike in the US, traffic laws are uniform across states. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited under Section 184 (dangerous driving) and Central MV Rules 119. The officer said horns are meant to be safety tools. “Company-fitted electric horns have standard decibel levels. Air horns and multi-tone horns exceed these limits and are illegal,” he noted. Public experiences highlight the extent of the problem. Social media manager Bhagyaraj C shared how it was before and after the switch from two-wheeler to four-wheeler. “Due to work, I'll be receiving various calls. Stopping my two-wheeler while on the road for each call was not possible. I purchased a set of earphones in 2015. I used to play and wear black shirts regularly as my set was also the same colour. But I used it wisely, no increased noise. So I could listen to the honks and my calls, and some music too. After shifting to a car, it is now the audio set-up in the car." A biker experimenting with different earphone models said many suggested earpods or buds. “They are dangerous, you cannot quickly lower the volume or answer a call. Bluetooth earphones are safer. They keep your hands free and stop you from touching your phone. I only plug one side and loosen the other one to keep myself safe,” he said. A bike taxi driver spoke about the health toll. “We are constantly exposed to traffic. If we are negligent, we pay a price from accidents to spinal problems and hearing damage. Continuous driving is exhausting, but honking makes it worse,” he said. Madhumitha M., a daily commuter, said unnecessary honking at traffic signals is mentally exhausting. “The second the signal turns green, everyone starts honking. Only after I reach my office, wash my face, and sit quietly for a few minutes do I feel some peace,” she stated. Many two-wheeler riders can also be seen juggling their phones while driving, either holding them in one hand or tucking them inside their helmets, forcing them to tilt their heads to one side to continue the conversation. Some even balance the phone on their shoulder while keeping one hand on the handle, which increases the accident rate. Officials felt lasting change would require a cultural shift in driving habits. One has to treat the road as a shared space and horns should be used for safety, not in an aggressive manner; and mobile phones have no place in a driver’s hands, they stress.