Bengaluru Woman Works On Laptop While Driving Car On Busy Road; Video Goes Viral

In a shocking case of reckless driving, a woman in Bengaluru was fined ₹1,000 after being caught using her laptop while behind the wheel. The incident, which was recorded by a biker, posted the clip online, which has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and prompting swift action from the authorities.

Caught on Camera, Authorities Take Action

The video, which included the car's license plate, showed the woman balancing her laptop on her lap while navigating traffic. The clip was shared widely on social media, eventually reaching the Bengaluru traffic police. Responding to the footage, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-Traffic) Sirigowri DR posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "Work from home, not from car while driving."

Though the exact location of the incident remains unclear, police traced the woman's registered address and issued her a notice to appear at the station.

On Wednesday, she visited the police station, where officers showed her the viral video and explained the dangers of her actions. According to reports, the woman, who works for a private company in BTM Layout, was on her way home to RT Nagar. She admitted that she had switched on her laptop while driving because she needed to log in on time and feared she wouldn't reach home soon enough.

Social Media Reactions: Work Culture Under Scrutiny

The video sparked widespread debate online, with users questioning India's increasing work-hour culture and the pressures employees face. Many netizens expressed concern over the extreme work expectations set by employers, especially in the IT sector.

One user commented, "Effect of 70-hour & 90-hour workweeks. At least working women (married) should have the option of WFH. She must have been trying to save time to do house chores and spend time with family, but working while driving is a big NO."

Another wrote, "It took me 2 hours to travel 17 km yesterday-4 hours on the road. We need to complete work and take care of family, but public transportation is overloaded. CEOs talk about 70-hour workweeks-when do we eat, when do we sleep? I'm not justifying this, but people are forced into such situations."

A third user humorously noted, "Work-life balance? OK. Work-steering balance? Definitely NOT."

Some urged authorities to crack down on distractions while driving, with one remarking, "Sir, also look out for people watching YouTube and TV serials while driving.
Many auto drivers do this, which is highly dangerous for two-wheelers."
Others blamed corporate work culture and employer expectations:

"Her company and manager's name should be revealed, and an FIR should be lodged against the CEO. These CEOs forcing 90-hour workweeks have created meaningless meetings and deliverables."

"People cannot risk their lives for jobs that pressure them to work while driving. Good job by the police!"

Authorities Urged to Implement Stricter Measures

While many supported the police's action, others raised concerns about traffic rule enforcement. One user suggested, "This will continue due to employer pressure or automation features like ADAS. The authorities must charge heavy fines to stop this culture." Another asked, "How would this violator feel when they see many such violations going unnoticed? Why doesn't the administration install audio-video recorders and use technology rigorously?"