Bhubaneswar: Ola, Uber and other ride-hailing services drivers depend upon mobile apps for their livelihood. However, using mobile phones while driving is strictly banned.
A traffic awareness workshop organised by the Commissionerate Police here highlighted the problems and best practices used for safe driving.
Traffic DCP Sagarika Nath pointed out that as their business revolves around mobile apps and calls, it is impossible to ask them to stop using mobiles. It is, however, important to find a way to control their usage while driving.
“There is a 30-second window, which allows these drivers to attend to customers’ calls. So, there is enough time for an Ola driver to can pull over, park the vehicle and attend the phone call,” she said.
Most drivers carry handsfree and bluetooth connected music systems where they can answer calls without physically picking up a phone. However, they were urged to park and attend calls.