Delhi Woman Shares Terrifying Auto Ride Experience to Alert Others
{A Delhi commuter’s morning turned into a nightmare when an auto-rickshaw ride went horribly wrong. She shared her experience on Reddit, sparking widespread concern about safety for those relying on ride-hailing apps and autos.
Her Experience
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. A few minutes into the ride, the driver suddenly stopped, claiming his phone wasn’t working to see the way. Unbeknownst to her, he had ended the trip in the app, so tracking stopped completely.
Moments later, he took a route that didn’t match her usual way, causing instant concern. 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.
She ordered the driver to turn back, but he insisted, “madam, this is what Google Maps is showing,” while speeding on highways where she couldn’t escape.
Luckily, her partner was alert when she texted him, immediately calling her and demanding the driver 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.
Disturbed and angry, she learned Ola lacked emergency features, only advising her to contact the police.
Authorities have reported other cases in Delhi self-love and money 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.
How People Responded Online
Many Reddit users expressed alarm and empathy, writing remarks such as, “Terrifying experience” and “Absolutely scary”. Some suggested she lodge a police complaint and pressure Ola via social media to take action.
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Have your keys ready to defend yourself if needed.
• Talk loudly on the phone about your route or play Google Maps aloud so drivers know you’re being tracked.
• Opt for the metro when traveling solo whenever possible.
• Avoid using Ola, citing poor safety features.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Think Twice Before Booking Alone: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Double-check the auto number to prevent impersonation.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Make sure the OTP is confirmed and ride tracking is active first.
• Keep App Open: Stay on the app to ensure the ride remains active.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Always share your live route with someone you trust.
• Sit Safely: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Avoid unknown routes where you can’t judge if the driver diverts.
• Track the Route Yourself: Keep maps open to ensure you’re on the correct route.
• Stay Alert for Nearby Officers: Note police presence during the ride.
• Avoid Ola (Strong Advice): Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.
Such incidents stress the importance of enhanced safety tools, driver screening, and live monitoring by taxi apps.
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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