Delhi Woman Shares Terrifying Auto Ride Experience to Alert Others
{A A Delhi woman endured a terrifying ordeal during her morning auto-rickshaw ride. Her story, shared on Reddit, has quickly spread, making many people worried about safety when using taxi apps and autos.
What Happened
The woman, who uses apps to book autos for work, chose Ola after her usual app had no autos available. Moments into the journey, the driver pulled over, saying his phone had stopped showing directions. Unbeknownst to her, he had ended the trip in the app, so tracking stopped completely.
Soon after, the driver turned onto a road that felt completely wrong, triggering alarm bells in her mind. A road sign showed they were heading away from her office toward a place nearly two hours away—a journey that typically takes just 30-45 minutes.
Despite her protests, the driver kept insisting Google Maps was guiding that way, while speeding along major roads where she couldn’t safely get out.
Thankfully, she texted her partner, who swiftly called and pressured the driver to return. After a tense exchange and her even considering jumping out, the driver finally turned back near her home, without asking for any money, and sped off. They felt certain he intended to abduct her, as he left without taking any money.
Shaken by the event, she found Ola’s safety response lacking, with no real complaint process besides telling her to call authorities.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi and nearby cities involving auto drivers behaving dangerously, even attempting kidnappings. For example, a teen girl in Thane recently escaped by using a compass and leaping from a moving auto.
Public Reaction on Reddit
Many Reddit users expressed alarm and empathy, writing remarks such as, “Terrifying experience” and “Absolutely scary”. Several advised her to file a police complaint and escalate the matter to Ola through social channels.
Many chipped in with personal experiences and suggestions:
• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Announce your path over a call or have maps playing aloud to alert the driver someone is aware.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Stay away from Ola due to its lack of proper safety tools.
Important Safety Tips from the Victim
• Reconsider Booking Solo Rides: Solo bookings pose risks since drivers aren’t always trustworthy.
• Verify Vehicle Details Before Boarding: Ensure the auto’s number matches the app record before entering.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• Keep App Open: Track continuously so you can act if the trip ends unexpectedly.
• Share Your Location: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Sit Safely: Choose a seat that lets you exit easily in emergencies.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Verify Driver’s Path Live: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Stay Alert for Nearby Officers: Note police presence during the ride.
• Steer Clear of Ola: Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.
This event highlights the pressing Startup Closure demand for better driver verification, constant ride tracking, and effective emergency assistance from ride-hailing services.
Note: This account hasn’t been confirmed by Duniya Daily News Team and is shared from Reddit solely for informational purposes.
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