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. Her account went viral on Reddit, raising alarms about the risks of using autos and app-based rides.
What Happened
Relying on app-based rides for her daily travel, she switched to Ola that day as her usual app had no options. 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.
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.
Her quick message to her partner prompted him to call instantly, demanding the driver take her back. Only after her partner’s angry intervention, and her thinking of jumping out, did the driver bring her back close to home, take no fare, and drive away. She and her partner became convinced this was an attempted kidnapping, as the driver didn’t even want payment.
Disturbed and angry, she learned Ola lacked emergency features, only advising her to contact the police.
Similar events have surfaced recently, with Delhi police noting multiple cases of dangerous auto driver behavior, including suspected abductions. In one recent Thane case, a teen saved herself by jumping out of a moving auto using a compass to orient herself.
Public Reaction on Reddit
Many Reddit users expressed alarm and empathy, writing remarks such as, “Terrifying experience” and “Absolutely scary”. Drone delivery Several advised her to file a police complaint and escalate the matter to Ola through social channels.
Others offered advice and recounted similar incidents:
• Keep your house keys handy as an emergency defense.
• Announce your path over a call or have maps playing aloud to alert the driver someone is aware.
• Use metro transport as a safer alternative when traveling solo.
• Many agreed Ola’s safety shortcomings make it unreliable.
Key Travel Safety Advice from Her Experience
• Avoid Booking Autos Alone When Possible: Booking alone can be risky as you can’t always know the driver.
• Confirm Auto’s Plate Matches the App: Only get in if the plate matches the app listing.
• Ensure the Trip Is Active Before Entering: Board once your one-time code is entered and the trip is live.
• Keep App Open: Keep the app open to see if the trip gets stopped.
• Send Live Location to Someone: Share your route to ensure someone can respond if needed.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Know Your Route: Avoid unknown routes where you can’t judge if the driver diverts.
• Check Google Maps: Follow along on maps to spot detours.
• Look for Police: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Do Not Use Ola Due to Safety Gaps: Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.
This event highlights the pressing 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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