A Bengaluru man's recent auto ride turned into a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience when the driver became engrossed in Instagram, even slowing down in the middle of the road to browse an actress's profile.
The incident, shared on Reddit, has sparked outrage and concern among social media users, highlighting the issue of drivers prioritizing phone usage over passenger safety. The user, identified as OP (Original Poster) on the r/Bangalore subreddit, explained that the office is usually a quick 10-minute ride away. However, this particular commute was far from comfortable.
According to the post, the auto driver immediately minimized the map on his phone after the ride began and started scrolling through Instagram with one hand. What alarmed the passenger most was the driver's reaction to a post by actress Sreeleela. Instead of simply scrolling past, the driver slowed down the auto in the middle of the main road to open her profile and browse through her feed.
The passenger, understandably concerned, took to social media to express his frustration and question whether drivers can refrain from using their phones while driving, emphasizing the risk it poses to both passengers and other commuters. The post quickly went viral, with many users echoing the sentiment that auto drivers often seem more focused on their phones than on driving safely. Some shared similar experiences, with one user commenting that slowing down in the middle of the road to check a celebrity's profile is "just reckless". Another user noted that they've frequently seen auto drivers suddenly slow down or pull over to the side of the road, always looking at their phones.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the increasing use of mobile phones by drivers and the dangers of distracted driving. While some Bengaluru auto drivers are gaining popularity as social media influencers, this incident highlights the darker side of technology's integration into everyday transportation. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of drivers to prioritize safety and the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such incidents.