Watching short videos while driving: Dangerous trend on the rise

This isn’t just about reckless driving anymore. It’s a dangerous cultural shift where entertainment is being prioritised over safety.

BHPian soji recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Over the past few months, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend on our roads—an increasing number of cab drivers and even private vehicle owners watching reels and videos while driving. It’s happening everywhere. At traffic signals, on highways, and even in stop-and-go traffic, I frequently see drivers glued to their phones, scrolling through social media.

I used to think distracted driving was mostly about calls or texting. But now, short video platforms have taken this to another level. It’s not just a momentary distraction anymore; it’s full-on entertainment at the cost of safety.

The Alarming Reality

Just last week, I was in a cab on my way to the office. The driver had his phone mounted on the dashboard towards the right, playing reels continuously. His eyes darted between the road and his screen. Every time he laughed or reacted to a video, my anxiety levels spiked. I had to politely ask him to stop, and while he obliged, he seemed indifferent—like it was no big deal.

I wish I could say, this was a one-off incident, but it’s not. I’ve seen it with private car owners too—some holding their phones in one hand while navigating through traffic with the other. The worst part? Many don’t even think they’re doing anything wrong.

Why Is This Happening?

• Addiction to Short Videos – Social media algorithms are designed to hook users, making it hard to stop scrolling, even while driving.
• False Sense of Control – Many drivers believe they can multitask and “just glance” at their phones without losing focus.
• No Immediate Consequences – Unlike drunk driving or running a red light, watching reels doesn’t have an instant penalty unless it results in an accident.

According to multiple studies, taking your eyes off the road for just 2 seconds doubles the risk of a crash. Watching a reel? That’s easily 5–10 seconds of distraction. At 60 km/h, that means the car moves 100–150 meters blind. That’s more than enough to hit another vehicle, a pedestrian, or lose control.

What Can We Do?

• Spread Awareness – Talk about it. Call out unsafe behaviour when you see it, whether it’s a cab driver, a friend, or a family member.
• Demand Stricter Laws – Many countries have harsh penalties for using a phone while driving. India needs to enforce these rules more strictly.
• Ride Responsibly – If you’re in a cab and notice the driver watching videos, speak up. Your life is at stake.
• Lead by Example– If you drive, make it a habit to put your phone away before starting the car. Use “Do Not Disturb” modes if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just about reckless driving anymore—it’s a dangerous cultural shift where entertainment is prioritised over safety. As car lovers, enthusiasts, and responsible citizens, we need to take this seriously. A moment of distraction is all it takes for an irreversible tragedy.

Here's what BHPian arnav17 replied:

Very true. Most of the Auto drivers who I go with keep watching videos on full volume, and due to that, they are distracted and drive slower than usual, making me late everywhere I go.

Another important point is that all these new aftermarket android head units encourage users to watch movies and what not while driving. This should be strictly discouraged IMHO.

Here's what BHPian roy_libran replied:

Automobiles need a tech solution now to PREVENT drivers from using mobile phones while driving.

And governments need to mandate this Tech in all automobiles.

It's getting crazier by the day!

Here's what BHPian bblost replied:

I have also observed this new trend and it's frankly very scary.

At least the people in cars and autos have a false illusion of safety, but the organ donors on motorcycles take it to a different level.

Here's what BHPian Samurai replied:

Unless the apps are forced to suspend playing videos while the phones are moving, this menace will not go away. Laws are not going to help here. Only a tech enforced ban can work.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.