Delhi Woman Shares Terrifying Auto Ride Experience to Alert Others
{A woman in Delhi had a very scary morning when her ride in an auto-rickshaw took a frightening turn. She shared her experience on Reddit, sparking widespread concern about safety for those relying on ride-hailing apps and autos.
Inside the Incident
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. She later found out he had secretly ended the trip on the app during this stop, meaning it was no longer tracking them.
He then steered the auto down an unfamiliar road, immediately raising her suspicions. 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.
Her quick message to her partner prompted him to call instantly, demanding the driver take her back. Following heated arguments and her contemplating leaping from the moving auto, the driver finally turned back near her area, refused payment, and fled. She and her partner became convinced this was an attempted kidnapping, as the driver didn’t even want payment.
She felt shaken and frustrated, discovering Ola had no effective safety tools, only directing her to “call the police” with no formal complaint options.
This wasn’t an isolated case—recent police reports in Delhi and nearby areas have highlighted similar incidents with auto self-love and money drivers, including alleged kidnapping attempts. 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
Her Reddit account received dozens of shocked responses, with people commenting things like, “Horrifying!” and “That’s terrifying”. Many urged her to report to police and publicly call out Ola on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Users also shared their own safety tips and past encounters:
• Carry keys as a potential self-defense tool.
• Speak loudly about your route or keep navigation on speaker so the driver feels monitored.
• Choose metro travel instead of booking autos when alone if feasible.
• 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.
• Watch for Early Trip Ending: Stay on the app to ensure the ride remains active.
• Inform a Trusted Contact of Your Whereabouts: Let a family member or friend track your trip live.
• Position Yourself for Quick Exit: Sit on the open side to escape quickly if required.
• Book Only for Familiar Routes: Stick to roads you’re familiar with to avoid risk.
• Check Google Maps: Follow along on maps to spot detours.
• Know Where Help Is Available: Stay aware of police patrols in case you need help.
• Avoid Ola (Strong Advice): Her strongest advice was to avoid Ola given the company’s lack of safeguards.
This alarming incident underscores the urgent need for ride-hailing platforms to implement stricter driver checks, real-time monitoring, and proper passenger support systems during emergencies.
Note: This account hasn’t been confirmed by Duniya Daily News Team and is shared from Reddit solely for informational purposes.
Keep following Duniya Daily for more such important news and experiences!.