Bengaluru Cab Drivers Scrolling Reels Mid-Ride Sparks Safety Concerns Among Passengers

After the recent outrage over a Rapido rider allegedly harassing a woman passenger in Bengaluru, another alarming trend is raising questions about commuter safety in the city.

A growing number of passengers are now sharing their distressing experiences of cab and auto drivers watching Instagram reels or YouTube videos while driving, putting riders at serious risk.

Commuter Flags New 'Threat' on Bengaluru Roads

A Bengaluru commuter took to Reddit to highlight how some Uber and Ola drivers were glued to their mobile screens during rides. In a viral post titled "New Threat in Bangalore", the user wrote that they had "many experiences where Uber/Ola cab or auto drivers use their phone while driving, watching reels and YouTube." The post has since sparked heated discussions about the lack of accountability and enforcement on the city's roads.

The passenger recounted feeling "unsafe" as the driver continued scrolling through content while driving. "I tried to stop some of them, they then open up maps and show that they are using it for directions. Literally, it feels very unsafe," the user added.

Pattern of Negligence and Harassment Raises Alarms

This disturbing revelation comes soon after another shocking case where a woman was allegedly harassed by a Rapido bike rider in Bengaluru. The rider not only misbehaved with the passenger but also reportedly followed her after she ended the trip. The incident drew widespread outrage, prompting city police to take action.

Safety advocates say such recurring incidents, from harassment to reckless driving, show how unchecked behavior among transport service providers is endangering women and commuters daily. "It's not about one app or one case. There's a deeper issue of negligence and lack of enforcement," said a Bengaluru-based social activist.

Passengers Call for Stricter Regulations

Social media users flooded the Reddit thread with similar accounts, describing how drivers often multitask between video streaming and navigation. Many demanded that app-based cab aggregators introduce real-time monitoring to curb this behavior.

Users also suggested integrating in-app warnings or penalties for drivers caught using their phones for non-navigational purposes. "They should face suspension or fines if they are found watching content while driving," one commenter wrote.

Authorities Urged to Step Up Enforcement

Although the city's transport department has previously issued warnings against mobile use while driving, commuters say enforcement on the ground remains negligible. Experts believe both state regulators and ride-hailing platforms must act swiftly before negligence leads to tragedy.

Bengaluru's growing record of unsafe rides, whether due to harassment or distraction, is quickly eroding public trust in app-based transport. As one commuter aptly summed it up on Reddit, "We shouldn't have to fear for our safety every time we book a ride."