A deeply alarming video from Bengaluru went massively viral in March 2026, exposing the dangerous practice of distracted driving by auto-rickshaw drivers. The clip shows a driver casually scrolling through Instagram Reels on his phone with one hand while steering the auto with the other, weaving recklessly through traffic. A female passenger can be heard repeatedly pleading with him to slow down and focus on the road, but her requests are completely ignored.
The footage, believed to have been recorded by the woman passenger herself from the back seat, has triggered widespread outrage, with netizens calling for strict action against such irresponsible behaviour that endangers lives daily.
What the Viral Video Shows
In the shaky but clear video:
- The auto driver holds his smartphone in his left hand and continuously scrolls through Reels, laughing at the content.
- He barely glances at the road, swerving through traffic and taking sharp turns at high speed.
- The female passenger, clearly frightened, repeatedly says: “Bhaiya, dheere chalaaiye… please slow down… aap phone mat dekho” (Brother, please drive slowly… don’t watch the phone.)
- The driver continues without responding, completely absorbed in his phone.
The background traffic noise and the vehicle’s jerky movements make the danger even more apparent. The woman’s voice grows increasingly anxious as the ride continues.
Public Reaction: Strong Condemnation
The video spread like wildfire on X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, drawing sharp criticism:
- Safety concerns:“This is how fatal accidents happen. One distracted second and lives are lost.”“Women already feel unsafe in autos – this makes it ten times worse.”
- Calls for action:“Bengaluru traffic police must trace the auto number and cancel his permit immediately.”“Heavy fines and license suspension for using phone while driving autos.”
- Frustration with auto drivers:“Every day we see autos driving like maniacs while glued to their phones.”“RTO and traffic police need to wake up – this is endangering public lives daily.”
Many women shared their own terrifying experiences of auto drivers using phones, overspeeding, or refusing to slow down despite requests.
Legal & Regulatory Angle
Under the Motor Vehicles Act:
- Using a mobile phone while driving is punishable with fines up to ₹5,000 and possible license suspension.
- Rash and negligent driving can attract even stricter penalties, including imprisonment.
Bengaluru Traffic Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have been heavily tagged in the comments. Many are demanding:
- Surprise checks on autos, especially during peak hours.
- Installation of more CCTV at major junctions to catch violations.
- Mandatory training and stricter licensing norms for auto drivers.
As of now, there is no confirmation whether the specific driver in the video has been identified or penalised.
Broader Issue: Distracted Driving in Bengaluru
Bengaluru is notorious for reckless auto-rickshaw driving. Common complaints include:
- Drivers are watching videos or chatting on the phone while navigating heavy traffic.
- Refusing short rides or overcharging passengers.
- Ignoring safety requests from passengers, especially women.
This viral incident is a stark reminder that distracted driving is not just annoying — it is life-threatening. Road safety experts have long called for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns targeting gig workers and auto drivers.
