Gujarat reported 150 serious road accidents in the past year linked to drivers using mobile phones, resulting in 33 deaths, 97 serious injuries, and 90 minor injuries, according to state traffic police data.
Officials caution that these numbers reflect only documented cases, with many more likely going unreported. Nationwide, mobile phone distraction contributed to 2,884 fatalities across India in 2024.
Road safety experts warn that even a brief two-second glance at a phone can be deadly. At a speed of 40–60 km/h, a vehicle covers nearly 33 metres in that time, leaving drivers with virtually no chance to react. Moreover, the brain requires a few seconds to refocus after checking a notification or answering a call, further raising crash risks.
Despite a ₹5,000 penalty for phone use while driving, many riders admit difficulty resisting calls or messages. Experts attribute the problem to fear of missing out (FOMO), overconfidence, boredom during traffic jams, and workplace pressure to respond immediately to bosses or clients. Even hands-free devices, they note, only reduce physical distraction, not mental lapse.
Traffic authorities and psychologists are urging stronger awareness drives and tighter enforcement, stressing that no call or message is worth endangering a life.