Negligence on busy roads can often prove fatal, and a recent viral video from Hyderabad highlights this alarming reality. The footage shows an auto-rickshaw driver completely disregarding road safety norms while ferrying passengers through heavy traffic, engaging in dangerous multitasking.
Entertainment on One Screen, Navigation on Another
In the viral video, the auto driver can be seen watching a movie on a mobile phone mounted or kept near the dashboard while steering the vehicle. On a second mobile device, a GPS navigation app was running to find the route. To make matters worse, he had headphones plugged into his ears, shutting out critical ambient sounds like traffic horns and warnings from other vehicles.
While navigation tools are helpful for finding directions, watching a movie while operating a commercial passenger vehicle introduces an unacceptable level of risk. A sudden pedestrian crossing or a braking vehicle ahead requires split-second reactions, which are severely delayed when a driver's eyes and attention are glued to a screen.
Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar Directs Action
Taking serious note of the viral clip, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar directed the traffic wing to trace the auto driver and initiate stringent action against him. Highlighting the dangers of distracted driving, the Commissioner emphasized that public transport drivers carry a moral and legal obligation to ensure the utmost safety of their passengers.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report reckless driving behavior immediately by dialing 112, reminding the public that a moment of digital distraction can cost precious lives.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the authenticity of videos viral on social media platforms. This video has been widely circulated online as a subject of public discussion. Video Courtesy: Respective Social Media Handles / Creators.
National Desk, The Freelance
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