Bengaluru’s infamous traffic has seen its share of unusual scenes—people attending virtual meetings or peeling vegetables to pass the time. However, one incident went a step too far when a woman was caught working on her laptop while driving, prompting swift action from the Bengaluru Traffic Police.
Police Response
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic North, Bengaluru, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), showing the woman balancing a laptop on her steering wheel while navigating traffic. Along with penalizing her for the violation, the police issued a clear message:
“Work from home, not from a car while driving.”
Public Reactions
The incident sparked widespread criticism:
Safety Concerns: Many users condemned the woman’s actions as reckless, endangering lives on the road.
Employer Responsibility: Some users pointed fingers at employer pressures, urging companies to be more mindful of their employees’ well-being.
Technological Misuse: There was also speculation about whether the car’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) influenced the behavior, though the police clarified the danger involved.
One user wrote:
“Thanks for dealing with this stupid woman endangering lives out there.”
Another commented:
“Good job. One cannot risk life for a job, which might lead to accidents.”
Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Bengaluru’s traffic culture. In another recent viral moment, a man who couldn’t find a cab resorted to riding pillion on a Porter delivery bike—an app typically used for transporting goods, not passengers.
While the creativity in navigating Bengaluru’s traffic is often a source of amusement, risky behavior like working while driving poses significant dangers. Police and public awareness are essential to ensuring road safety amid the city’s congestion challenges.