A Bengaluru woman’s social media post about auto-rickshaw drivers speaking on phone calls throughout entire rides has triggered a wider debate on distracted driving and work culture in India. Manasa Manjunath, an automotive engineer, shared that during four auto rides lasting 15–25 minutes each, every driver remained on a phone call for the entire journey.
The post quickly went viral online through X (formally Twitter) @ManeeManjunath, with many commuters echoing similar experiences while others defended drivers, saying phone calls are often necessary for coordination and personal communication. While authorities have not issued a direct response to the viral post yet, road safety experts note that using handheld mobile phones while driving can increase distraction and may violate traffic safety rules if it compromises attention on the road.
Viral Post Highlights Concerns Over Distracted Driving
The conversation began when Manjunath described her recent commuting experiences in Bengaluru on social media. She wrote that she had taken four auto rides in a week, each lasting between 15 and 25 minutes and noticed that every driver stayed on the phone throughout the ride. The pattern left her surprised and concerned about the growing dependence on mobile phones during work.
In her post, she remarked that drivers were on calls “non-stop for every single minute of every ride,” which she believed could reflect a broader problem of excessive phone usage in everyday life. Her observation resonated with many social media users who said they had experienced similar situations while commuting in cities. Some commuters described feeling uncomfortable when drivers talked continuously on the phone in busy traffic, while others questioned whether such behaviour could distract drivers and potentially compromise passenger safety.
At the same time, several commenters offered a different perspective. Some suggested that drivers may be coordinating rides, speaking with other drivers about routes or traffic, or staying connected with family members during long working hours. The mixed reactions highlight how the issue sits at the intersection of workplace realities, digital connectivity, and road safety.
Wider Conversation On Phone Dependency In Daily Work
Manjunath’s observation also opened a broader conversation about the role smartphones play in modern work environments. In the same post, she noted that similar behaviour can often be seen among employees in shops, salons, and service businesses, where people may remain on their phones even while attending to customers. According to her, the trend suggests that many people remain preoccupied with their phones even while working, raising questions about attention, productivity and mindfulness in everyday tasks.
Road safety experts have long warned that distracted driving whether from texting, calling, or using mobile apps, can significantly increase accident risks. India’s traffic regulations generally discourage the use of handheld phones while driving because it can reduce concentration and slow reaction time. In crowded urban environments such as Bengaluru, where traffic congestion is already a major challenge, even brief distractions can pose risks for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Although the viral post does not refer to any specific accident or rule violation, it has prompted many commuters to reflect on their own travel experiences and the balance between staying connected and maintaining safe driving practices.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This viral moment shows how everyday experiences shared by citizens can open meaningful conversations about safety and responsibility in public spaces. Auto drivers often work long hours in demanding conditions and rely on phones for coordination and communication. However, ensuring passengers feel safe and comfortable should remain central to any transport service.
Rather than framing the issue as blame, it may be more constructive to encourage awareness, better enforcement of safe driving norms and practical solutions such as hands-free communication or designated breaks for calls. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, the challenge is to ensure that connectivity does not compromise attentiveness and care for others on the road.
I’ve taken 4 auto rides this week. All between 15-25mins. Every auto driver has been on the phone non-stop for every single minute of every ride. It’s the same in stores, salons, shops,… Everyone is busy on their phones instead of doing work. We have a serious cellphone…
— Manasa Manjunath (@ManeeManjunath) March 5, 2026
