BENGALURU: The tech capital’s traffic is a challenge. But one woman took multitasking to a whole new level: She was caught juggling her car and career by working on her laptop while driving through unpredictable traffic!
However, police were not enthused with this “work-on-the-go” setup. They tracked her down after a video of her multitasking went viral, handed her a Rs 1,000 fine, and gave her a piece of advice: Work from office or work from home, not while driving! The woman, whose name police did not reveal, was charged with reckless driving.
A fellow motorist recorded the woman using a laptop while driving, exposing dangerous multitasking
She came under the police scanner after a fellow motorist video-captured the licence plate of the car and recorded the woman driving the vehicle with a laptop on her lap. However, it is not clear on which road the woman was caught driving while working on her laptop.
“Since her residence address was registered in our jurisdiction, we issued her a notice, directing her to appear before us. Today (Wednesday), she dropped into our station, and we showed her the video, which went viral on X. Also, we told her how dangerous it was for her and other commuters on the road,” an investigating officer said.
The woman told police that since she needed to log in, she switched on the laptop. The professional mentioned that she worked for a private firm at BTM Layout and was driving back to her RT Nagar home. Since her log-in time was fast approaching and she anticipated taking more time to reach home, she decided to switch on the laptop.
Deputy commissioner of police (north-traffic) Sirigowri DR posted on X, “Work from home, not from car while driving.”
Public reaction beyond social media
The act sparked a debate on social media. Many netizens criticised the woman for the dangerous act, while some wondered whether police would arrest her employer who made her work while driving.
Social media user who goes by the handle @Sanjay_2712 wrote: “Effect of 70hrs & 90hrs working/week model. I feel at least working women (married) should be given the option of WFH. Here she must have been thinking of saving some time by doing so, to do house chores with a free mind and spend time with family members. But a big “NO” for work while driving”.
Another person, @anon062002, said: “Why not arrest the person who made her work through the car?”
“This is heights Sir, also kindly look out for driving with YouTube and TV serials on. Most autos do this, and it’s highly dangerous for 2-wheelers,” @Umesh77939588 wrote.