Hyderabad police book 3,600 for watching reels while driving
HYDERABAD: Some motorists in Hyderabad have been driving recklessly—watching reels and cricket matches, talking on phones, and listening to music through earphones while at the wheel. Such distracted driving has led to several accidents, with some people losing their lives and others left bedridden with serious injuries.
To curb this negligence, City Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar launched a special drive against mobile phone use while driving. Fifteen days ago, he warned on social media platform X that those caught using phones during driving would face strict action. Acting on his orders, city police began a week-long drive to catch offenders. Within seven days, they registered cases against 3,600 motorists.
Auto drivers among top offenders
Police said the special drive revealed alarming behaviour among many auto-rickshaw drivers. Most were found using earphones to talk on the phone, listen to songs, or even watch reels and films while ferrying passengers. Some drivers admitted they only removed earphones when passengers objected, while others continued using phones for hours while driving. Similar violations were also observed among two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers.
Rules revised, cases to go to court
Hyderabad Traffic Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srinivas said rules related to mobile phone use while driving have recently changed. Earlier, station house officers could impose fines on violators. Now, under the new system, cases are booked and sent to court, and action is taken as per court directions.
He added that driving while using a phone amounts to multitasking, which confuses the mind and reduces concentration, often resulting in road accidents. Hence, the commissioner ordered the special drive to enforce discipline among motorists.
