‘Dikkat hai toh baahar utar jao’: Ola driver allegedly watches ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ while driving, sparks debate online

Every day, thousands of people step into cabs expecting a safe and uneventful journey. Most rides are forgotten the moment they end. But sometimes, a passenger's experience raises questions that resonate far beyond a single trip.A recent post on X has done exactly that. A commuter travelling from Noida to Delhi alleged that his Ola driver was watching episodes of the popular television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah while driving on a highway. The claim has since triggered a wider conversation online about distracted driving and passenger safety in app-based cabs.According to the viral post, the driver had placed a phone near the dashboard and was allegedly streaming the sitcom while driving.Describing the incident on X, the user wrote, “I politely said, ‘Bhaiya, turn off the screen and focus on driving.’” The driver's response was, “If it's a problem, then get out.” Stranded in the middle of the highway with family in 45-degree sun, we sat quietly, forced into silence. The question is, what's the value of our lives in Uber-Ola?”For most passengers, the driver's attention on the road is something they take for granted. That is why allegations of distractions behind the wheel often generate strong reactions, particularly when they involve long highway journeys.Many users expressed concern over the potential risks associated with watching video content while driving and discussed the responsibility that comes with transporting passengers.As reactions poured in, several people claimed they had encountered similar situations while travelling in cabs and auto-rickshaws.Some said they had seen drivers watching videos, cricket matches, movies, or scrolling through social media content while on the road. Others argued that ride-hailing companies need to take stronger action when such complaints are reported.One user wrote, “Absolutely wrong attitude. Watching videos while driving is not just a violation of rules but also endangers the lives of passengers. Strict action should be taken against such incidents; merely reducing the rating is not enough.”Another commented, “Such high-handedness and rudeness by cab drivers are a reckless endangerment of passengers' safety. Companies should not just rely on ratings but take strict on-ground action.”A third added: “The safety of passengers should be the top priority, and in such situations, the company should take strict action. At the same time, passengers should also immediately file a complaint on the app so that such incidents can be prevented.”Disclaimer: This report is based on a social media post shared on X and user-generated claims. The details have not been independently verified by The Times of India. Thumb image: X