A Bengaluru woman’s social media post about auto-rickshaw drivers speaking on phone calls throughout entire rides has triggered a wider discussion about distracted driving and workplace habits in India.
Manasa Manjunath, an automotive engineer, shared her experience on X (formerly Twitter), stating that during four auto-rickshaw rides lasting between 15 and 25 minutes, each driver remained on a phone call for the entire journey.
Her post quickly went viral, prompting mixed reactions from commuters and social media users.
Viral post raises safety concerns
In her post, Manjunath described noticing a pattern where drivers were on calls “non-stop for every single minute of every ride.”
The observation raised concerns about whether constant phone conversations could distract drivers and affect passenger safety, particularly in busy urban traffic like Bengaluru.
Many users responded by sharing similar experiences from their daily commutes. Some said they felt uncomfortable when drivers continued conversations throughout the ride, especially while navigating heavy traffic.
Road safety experts note that using handheld mobile phones while driving can increase distraction and may violate traffic safety norms if it affects attention on the road.
Drivers’ perspective also discussed
At the same time, several social media users defended the drivers, suggesting that phone calls may often be necessary.
Some said drivers frequently communicate with family members, fellow drivers, or customers to coordinate routes, discuss traffic conditions, or manage work-related issues during long working hours.
The conversation highlighted the reality that many gig and service workers rely heavily on mobile phones as part of their daily work routines.
Wider discussion on smartphone dependency
Manjunath’s post also sparked a broader debate about smartphone use during work in general.
She observed that similar behaviour can be seen in shops, salons, and other service sectors where workers remain on their phones while attending to customers.
The discussion reflects growing concerns about digital dependency in everyday life and its impact on attention, productivity, and safety.
Need for awareness on road safety
Road safety experts have long warned that distracted driving caused by phone use, texting, or app navigation can increase accident risks.
In densely populated cities like Bengaluru, even brief distractions while driving can pose risks for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
While the viral post does not refer to any specific accident or legal violation, it has encouraged many commuters to reflect on their experiences and the importance of safe driving practices.
Experts suggest that encouraging greater awareness, responsible phone use, and safer communication methods such as hands-free systems could help balance connectivity with road safety.