Auto drivers lap up phones at the wheel; passengers face the music
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Nearly 60% of phone-using drivers allegedly hail from other districts, says TGPWU chief
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Auto drivers lap up phones at the wheel; passengers face the music
Hyderabad: A growing number of app-based auto-rickshaw drivers are using mobile phones while driving, raising serious concerns over passenger safety and road discipline in Hyderabad. Nearly 60 per cent of those using mobile phones are from other districts that are illegally operating autos in the city. Whether checking Google Maps for navigation or using phones for entertainment and making calls, the practice is putting passengers and other road users at risk.
The citizens commuting in autos are frustrated as they find their vehicle drivers are connected with their mobile phones mounted on their handlebars and earphones plugged in them. Many of these drivers are caught scrolling through social media reels, watching movies, enjoying music, or making calls while navigating busy streets.
Passengers have expressed concern that the distraction, particularly amid heavy traffic, increases the risk of accidents and endangers pedestrians and fellow commuters.
“I have noticed auto drivers using mobile phones while driving for entertainment. They often ride unpredictably, putting themselves and everyone around them at risk. Strict enforcement is needed to stop this practice,” said Nida Mehreen, a passenger, who encountered the situation at Banjara Hills Road No 1.
The Hans India has been highlighting the issue of the dangerous practice of auto drivers using mobile phones. Using mobile phones while driving is an offence under the law. Yet, it is common to observe drivers of auto rickshaws, cabs and two-wheeler riders using their phones. They utilise them not just for making calls, but also for entertainment.
A frustrated motorist at Ameerpet, N Kalyan said, “As a bike rider, I get fed up with these guys honestly. Most of the auto drivers are watching videos while driving, it is endangering other lives.”
Another motorist said, “Some drivers even engage in video calls with their family or friends and keep on speaking,” stated Ankita Neelam.
Shaik Salauddin, President, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), said that we have come across several cases of auto drivers using mobile phones or watching something on it while navigating. As an estimate nearly 60 per cent of those using mobile phones are from other districts.
“Auto drivers from Mahubnagar, Nalgonda, Warangal, Sangareddy and other surrounding districts are illegally operating autos in the city. We have also tried to educate them, but in vain, who are unaware and uneducated of traffic rules and road safety.”
Salauddin emphasized, “Despite the growing discontent among passengers and motorists, it appears that the traffic police are not taking significant action to address the issue.”
On Wednesday, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar shared a video of an auto driver watching a movie stating that strict action against will be initiated for violating traffic rules.
