Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has warned auto-rickshaw and cab drivers against using mobile phones while driving, after raising concern over passengers and other road users being exposed to serious danger from distracted driving.
Sajjanar said drivers were being seen watching videos, scrolling through reels and attending calls while operating vehicles. He appealed to commuters to report dangerous behaviour through Dial 112, the emergency response number.
The Commissioner referred to an incident in which an auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly carrying passengers late at night with two mobile phones placed in front of him. One device was being used for navigation while the other was playing videos, according to the report. The driver was also wearing large headphones with illuminated lights, raising further concerns about his attention to the road.
The warning places attention on a safety risk that can affect several people at once in Hyderabad’s shared and hired transport network. A distracted auto or cab driver may endanger passengers inside the vehicle as well as pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and motorists sharing the road. The police appeal covers both active phone use and other devices or behaviour that can divert a driver’s attention from traffic conditions.
Sajjanar urged passengers to question drivers who use distracting devices and ask them to stop. If a driver ignores the request or continues to drive dangerously, commuters have been advised to report the matter by calling Dial 112.
Police officials, however, cautioned passengers against confronting drivers physically while a vehicle is moving. Where possible, commuters should ask the driver to stop at a safe location before raising the issue. This is intended to prevent a dispute inside a moving vehicle from creating an additional safety risk for passengers and other road users.
The advisory makes passengers an important source of information about dangerous driving behaviour in autos and cabs, while directing immediate threats to the emergency response system. It also distinguishes between raising a safety concern and attempting to physically intervene during a journey.
Hyderabad Police have asked commuters to prioritise their safety, avoid confrontations and contact the authorities when a driver continues to operate a vehicle dangerously. Immediate reports can be made through Dial 112.
