Thu Nov 06 19:36:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

Summary:

A growing number of commuters in Bengaluru, India, are reporting that autorickshaw, cab, and even bike taxi drivers are increasingly watching videos and reels on their mobile phones while driving, posing a significant safety risk to passengers and other motorists. Passengers have reported drivers switching to navigation apps when confronted, but often use multi-window screens to have maps and video open simultaneously. Bengaluru Traffic Police acknowledge the problem and are conducting special drives to penalize offenders, with over 34,000 cases registered this year. The Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union admits some drivers are irresponsible but asks the public not to generalize. A transport expert calls for stricter enforcement, recommending random checks and license suspensions, and urges the public to report such incidents.

News Article:

Bengaluru Faces ‘Epidemic’ of Drivers Watching Videos, Endangering Commuters

Bengaluru, India – November 7, 2025 – Commuters in Bengaluru are raising serious concerns about the escalating number of drivers, particularly in autorickshaws, cabs, and even bike taxis, who are openly watching videos and reels on their mobile phones while transporting passengers. The dangerous practice is sparking widespread alarm over road safety.

Passengers report that drivers are often glued to their screens, dividing their attention between entertainment and the road. “It feels very unsafe sitting behind someone who is barely looking at the road,” stated Jairaj M., a frequent commuter. Many drivers use the excuse of navigation apps, but passengers say the drivers are using multi-window screens to have video running simultaneously with maps.

The problem is so widespread that some commuters have described it as an “epidemic.” “Drivers now open multi-window screens half video, half map. My cab drivers wouldn’t even listen when I asked him to stop,” said Rajesh K.

Bengaluru Traffic Police acknowledge the issue and say they are conducting special enforcement drives to penalize offenders. “We have been booking cases through special enforcement drives and penalising them,” said an official. According to police data, over 34,000 cases have been registered this year against motorists for using mobile phones while driving.

While the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) acknowledges that some drivers are misusing their phones, they caution against painting all drivers with the same brush. “We are aware that a few drivers are misusing mobile phones while on duty, but it is wrong to label all drivers as irresponsible,” stated T.M. Rudramurthy, general secretary of the ARDU.

Transport expert M.N. Srihari is calling for stricter measures, comparing the practice to drunk driving. He recommends random checks of vehicles and immediate license suspensions for offenders. Srihari also urged the public to report incidents to the police through social media and digital complaint systems. “Bengaluru has a responsive digital complaint system passengers should use it to flag such violations. The more complaints authorities receive, the stronger the enforcement will become,” he said. He recommends the police to verify call logs and running app information to check whether a driver is using a navigation or entertainment app.

The lack of response from ride-hailing aggregators further compounds the issue, leaving commuters feeling vulnerable and unprotected. With reports of drivers ignoring requests to stop watching videos, and no apparent repercussions from the companies, passengers are left to navigate this dangerous trend on their own.

Read More