By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In an era where mobile phones have become an extension of our bodies, the urgency to answer every ring can sometimes lead to preventable accidents. A moment’s haste—especially when emerging from a wet, tiled bathroom—can result in life-threatening injuries. Experts and safety advocates are warning against the growing trend of prioritizing phone calls over personal safety.
Across the country, emergency rooms have recorded cases of domestic accidents resulting from slips and falls in bathrooms—many caused by rushing out to answer a phone call. According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association, over 20% of home-related head injuries were linked to falls in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
“It only takes a second of distraction and urgency for someone to slip, hit their head, and suffer a concussion or worse,” said Dr. Lekan Oshodi, a Lagos-based trauma surgeon. “We see many cases where the cause is simply trying to rush out of the shower or bathtub to pick a call.”
Telecommunications experts and psychologists also weigh in, saying our obsession with staying constantly connected is doing more harm than good. “The truth is, unless it’s a matter of life and death, most calls can wait,” says Rihanat Muhammad, a public health educator. “And even if you miss it, airtime is still cheaper than a CT scan or head surgery.”
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With airtime costs becoming increasingly affordable in Nigeria and call-back services offered by most networks, there is no justifiable reason to put oneself at risk.
Safety advocates are urging the public to take simple precautions:
Never rush out of the bathroom for a ringing phone.
Use waterproof phone holders if you must keep your phone close by in the bathroom.
Place non-slip mats on bathroom floors.
Train children and elderly family members to avoid hasty movements in slippery areas.
As mobile phones continue to dominate our lives, it’s vital to maintain perspective: a missed call can be returned, but a fatal slip may be irreversible.
Let it ring. Finish bathing. Call them back. Your health is priceless.
