Mobile phone use while driving rampant in Srinagar, puts lives at risk

• By RK News
• Comments 0
• 08 Oct 2025

M Haziq Pandit

Srinagar, Oct 07: Despite regulations prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, many motorists in Srinagar continue to flout the law, posing a serious threat to their own safety and that of others on the road, raising significant concerns about overall road safety.

The widespread practice has become a growing issue in the city, where reckless driving coupled with traffic congestion and narrow roads, already poses significant challenges.

According to locals, the issue has become a common sight, with drivers often taking calls, texting, or scrolling through social media even amid heavy traffic, putting themselves and others at risk.

They said this risky behaviour is not limited to private car owners; public bus operators and auto-rickshaw drivers have also been seen using their phones while behind the wheel.

Asif Ahanger, a commuter from Lal Chowk, said, "Every day, I see drivers, including public transport operators, weaving through traffic while staring at their phones. It’s terrifying. They’re not just risking their own lives but putting everyone around them in danger. It feels like the city has become numb to how serious this issue is."

Haseeb Qureshi, another local from Bemina, said, “I have personally witnessed near-miss accidents caused by drivers openly using their phones behind the wheel. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs because of this.”

In 2017, Srinagar Traffic Police had taken a stern stance against this issue and decided to suspend the driving licences of individuals caught using mobile phones while driving.

“The license of those found using mobile phones while driving would be suspended for at least three months or more," Senior Superintendent of Traffic (City), Tahir Saleem Khan, had announced then.

The move was in line with provisions outlined in Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), 1988. Under Section 184 of the MVA, using a mobile phone while driving is classified as 'dangerous driving' and is a punishable offense. Offenders can face a fine of up to Rs 5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. For repeat violations, the penalty rises to a fine of Rs 10,000 and/or one year in jail.

However, despite the provisions, violations remain widespread, highlighting the challenges of enforcement. Experts have long warned that even a brief distraction, such as checking a phone, can have fatal consequences.

A 2024 study by Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre at IIT Delhi, which analysed government data on traffic accidents and fatalities, particularly on national highways, revealed that phone use while driving causes more deaths than red-light violations.

These findings align with earlier government data. According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) titled ‘Road Accidents in India – 2021’, a total of 1,997 road accidents were caused by drivers using mobile phones, resulting in 1,040 fatalities. In comparison, 555 accidents occurred due to red-light violations, claiming 222 lives in the same year.

People in Srinagar said a multi-pronged approach is necessary to tackle the problem. “Authorities need to come up with a strategy to address it," said Shahnawaz Lone, a commuter from Rajbagh.

However, a senior traffic police official, who requested anonymity, admitted the problem.

“We issue challans when violations are detected. The challenge, however, is not just enforcement; it’s about changing people’s behavior. Many underestimate the risks and believe it’s harmless to take a quick call or glance at their phone while driving,” he said.

The official said they are working to instil better traffic awareness among motorists. “Awareness campaigns targeting various violations, including mobile phone use while driving, will be launched soon. At the same time, we will strengthen enforcement to curb these dangerous practices,” he said.