How to Report Unsafe Drivers Arranged by Indian Travel Companies
While taking transportation from a tour company in India, customers look forward to getting a safe, responsible, and professional driver. However, some travelers are exposed to dangerous driving, reckless behavior, or drunk drivers—the dream holiday turns into a horror.
If you’ve been allocated an unsafe driver by an Indian travel company, you can report, get redress, and make sure no other tourist goes through the same ordeal. This manual explains how to go about it, your rights under the law, and how Indian Travel Help can guide you through.
What Constitutes Unsafe Driving?
Unsafe driving is not only about speeding or bad turns. It can be:
- Drunk driving or drug effect
- Speeding and sudden braking
- Hand held mobile phone use during driving
- Dozing off while driving
- Disregard for traffic signals or signs
- Aggressive road driving or harassment
- Driving under expired license or without valid documents
All these habits not only break Indian road safety regulations but also risk taking passengers’ lives.
Step 1: Document Evidence Instantly
If you believe the driver is unsafe:
- Capture video or audio proof covertly, if it is safe to do so
- Document the vehicle registration number
- Photograph the driver ID card, which must be shown on commercial vehicles
- Document booking confirmation and the contact information of the travel company
Evidence is paramount in bringing the travel agency or driver to order.
✋ Step 2: Demand an Instant Driver Change
Your safety is not negotiable. Call the travel company immediately:
- Ring the agency’s helpline or booking contact
- Ask the driver to replace as soon as possible or cancel and get a refund
- If they refuse or take too long, tell them you will take legal or police action
If your safety is threatened, terminate the ride in a public and secure location and seek alternative transport.
Step 3: Report the Driver to the Authorities
You can report an unsafe driver to:
- Local Police Station – Lodge complaint, particularly if the driver was drunk or abusive
- Tourist Police – Present in key Indian cities for tourist assistance
- Transport Department – Report vehicle and license information to Parivahan Portal
- RTO (Regional Transport Office) – Lodge a report regarding unsafe commercial driving
Add:
- Driver’s name and license number (where possible)
- Vehicle details
- Travel agency name
- Date and time of occurrence
Step 4: File a Complaint with the Travel Agency
If the travel agency does not behave responsibly, you can:
- Issue a legal notice for explanation and compensation
- Register a complaint with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
- File a complaint on NCH (National Consumer Helpline): https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
- Seek redressal from the Ministry of Tourism’s grievance portal for registered tour operators
They could be held responsible for:
- Negligent hiring or failure to check the background of drivers
- Risking the safety of customers
- Mental distress and inconvenience
What Indian Law Says About Unsafe Driving
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, unsafe driving or reckless conduct can lead to:
- License suspension or cancellation
- Fines and imprisonment for drunk driving or endangering lives
- Penalties on travel companies hiring unlicensed or untrained drivers
You may be eligible for:
- Full refund of your booking
- Compensation for harassment or mental agony
- Official apology and assurance of preventive action
Tips to Avoid Unsafe Drivers While Booking
To minimize risk:
- Verify whether the agency is government-approved or IATO certified
- Read recent feedback of the agency and driver
- Request driver credentials prior to the beginning of the trip
- Do not use unregistered roadside tour agents
- Always show your live location to a friend or family member
Get Help From Indian Travel Help
If you’ve had a bad experience with an unsafe driver booked by a travel agency in India, don’t keep quiet. Indian Travel Help can help you with:
- Preparing and issuing a legal notice
- Filing police, RTO, and tourism authority complaints
- Advice on filing a consumer court case
- Obtaining a refund or compensation
- Assisting in canceling your bookings safely
✅ Reach out to Indian Travel Help
Email: support@indiantravelhelp.com
Website: www.indiantravelhelp.com/
You are entitled to a safe and secure travel experience. Allow us to assist you in reporting unsafe drivers and holding agencies to account.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Your safety must never be put at stake during your travel. If an Indian travel company has booked an irresponsible or unsafe driver, you are entitled to full legal recourse to report and seek justice. Remaining vigilant, recording everything, and taking professional assistance is the secret to ensuring your experience—and that of others—is not tainted further.
Don’t wait. Act now. Indian Travel Help is here to assist you at every step.
