Mangaluru: Driving bus while looking at mobile phone; Outrage after video goes viral

Team Udayavani, Jul 24, 2023, 8:54 AM IST

A video of a bus driver of a local city bus driving while fiddling with a mobile phone has gone viral, raising serious concerns about public safety and inviting widespread condemnation.

The video purportedly shot by a passenger on the St. Anthony bus number 42 running between State Bank and Talapadi, shows the bus driver using a mobile phone while driving.

In the video, which quickly went viral on social media, the distracted driver is seen maneuvering the bus irresponsibly with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand holding the mobile phone, until he finally stopped near Netravati Bridge. The bus reportedly had a considerable number of passengers when the incident occurred.

Members of the public have demanded immediate action against the negligent driver. They argue that the use of mobile phones while driving can have catastrophic consequences and endanger the lives of both passengers and pedestrians.

They demanded the transport authorities cancel the bus permit to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

Responding to the incident, Inspector of Mangalore South Traffic Police Station, Ramesh Hanapura said that suo moto action will be initiated against the erring driver. A case will be filed against the city bus driver under Section 117 (IMV) Motor Act. The driver’s license may be revoked, and fines will be imposed for the violation in accordance with the law, he added.