Why should we not use mobile phones while driving a two-wheeler?

Posted on: Jun 30, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Why should we not use mobile phones while driving a two-wheeler?

The use of mobile phones while operating a vehicle, like a car or a two-wheeler, on public roads often leads to disastrous results. This practice is the key contributor to distracted riding, which has claimed many innocent lives on the road in India and other corners of the world. On this page, we will discuss why one should avoid using mobile phones while riding a two-wheeler.

Why shouldn’t you use mobile phones while riding a two-wheeler?

There are a lot of reasons why one should avoid using mobile phones while riding a bike or scooter in India. Here are some of the key ones you should know about:

1. Indian roads can be dangerous.

Indian roads can be dangerous due to heavy traffic, bad road conditions, and other commuters not following traffic rules. Hence, to ride safely on such roads, one needs to focus only on riding and not engage in other activities, such as using mobile phones. Also, to ensure safety, invest in bike insurance online or offline, which covers own damages as well as third-party liabilities. Two-wheeler insurance is available for both bikes and scooters.

2. Heightened risk of error

Using mobile phones leads to reduced awareness of the surroundings and compromised reaction time. It can also lead to riders making errors like struggling to maintain safe speeds, failing to notice road signs and warnings, being unable to properly control the vehicle, etc. To safely ride on Indian roads, one needs to be aware of their surroundings and be in full concentration mode to do quick manoeuvres if needed. Remember, a split-second decision can determine your fate. Note, two-wheeler insurance doesn’t usually offer coverage for damages caused by the negligence of the rider.

3. It is illegal

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, the use of mobile phones while riding two-wheelers or driving cars is strictly prohibited. It states that one shouldn’t use their phones in any manner that distracts them from operating the vehicle. As per the latest amendment, the fine for this offence has been increased to INR 5,000. While talking about legality, note that having valid bike or scooter insurance is mandatory for two-wheelers in India.

4. It can be fatal

Accidents on the road are more common than you think and can often lead to death. As per PIB, the total number of fatalities due to road accidents in India was 1,68,491 in 2022. Among them, 3,395 were due to the use of mobile phones while driving/riding.

Reasons behind the need for using mobile phones on the road

Now that we have discussed the ill effects of using mobile phones while riding, we also need to know and understand why riders even do it in the first place. Here are some top reasons why people use mobile phones while riding;

1. One of the main reasons people use mobile phones while riding is to make content. It can be anything like a YouTube video, a Snapchat story or an Instagram reel.

2. Delivery agents and ride-sharing partners use their mobile phones while working.

3. One of the most common reasons people use phones while riding is for texting, calling or using social media handles.

4. Navigation is another reason people use mobile phones when riding. Instead of relying on directions from the locals, riders can get to any destination with the help of mobile navigation apps, such as Google Maps.

What can you do instead?

Here’s how you can responsibly ride while making use of some of the modern features and equipment available in and with mobile phones;

1. Use mobile holders

Some modern scooters and bikes come with navigation assistance linked to their instrument console. If not, you can use a mobile holder mount on your two-wheeler’s handle, attach your phone to it and use navigation without needing to physically interact with it. You can keep your eyes and attention on the road and use the voice command/assistance for directions. As you invest in a good mobile holder, remember to get proper bike insurance online or offline. Third party bike insurance is cheap and basic, while comprehensive bike insurance offers more elaborate coverage.

2. Go hands-free

If you are in a group ride, intercoms for helmets are available that let riders communicate with each other via calls and can also be used to get GPS directions. As of now, no law prohibits the use of intercoms in helmets. If necessary, you can use this as long as it doesn’t affect your attention or hearing & riding abilities. Hands-free can be expensive, but do you know what’s affordable? Third-party bike and scooter insurance.

3. Stop and use

If you need to use your mobile phone for calls, navigation or anything else, and you don’t have any of the tools mentioned above, then simply pull over at the side of the road safely and use your phone. It can be slightly inconvenient, but it is, without a doubt, the safest approach.

4. Limit yourself

Limit your mobile usage while riding, as most of the time, you don’t need it. Use it while taking breaks or at the end of your ride. Some smartphones come with a feature that you can switch on, and if anyone calls or texts you, they will get notified that the user is currently riding.

5. Use action cameras

If you are a content creator, you can use an action camera, mounted to your helmet or bike handlebars, to take videos and make content. However, remember not to switch your focus from riding to making content, as any distraction can be fatal. While there are no laws about it yet, note that helmet-mounted action cameras are illegal in the Indian state of Kerala.

Conclusion:

Motorcycles need to be ridden safely and attentively to avoid mishaps on the road. Use of mobile phones is a leading cause of distracted riding, which often leads to accidents that result in great financial burdens, bodily injuries and even fatalities. Mobile interaction while riding should be avoided, and safer alternatives and measures should be implemented. Besides safe riding, a solid third-party or comprehensive bike insurance can help cover unwanted damages sustained by your vehicle as well as third-party liabilities caused in an accident. You can buy bike insurance online in India from your preferred insurer’s website or app.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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