A video showing a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver repeatedly pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal has gone viral online, with many Singaporeans sharing similar experiences and claiming the driving style can leave passengers feeling nauseous.
The clip, which was posted in a local online community, captured the driver’s foot constantly moving on and off the accelerator while travelling along a road. The person who uploaded the footage jokingly described the experience as “vibing while the customer is dying behind”, suggesting the ride had become uncomfortable due to the constant changes in acceleration.
The video quickly attracted tens of thousands of views and sparked a lively discussion among commuters, many of whom said they had encountered the same issue when taking taxis and PHV rides.
Several commenters claimed the driving style caused motion sickness, with some saying they felt close to vomiting during similar journeys.
One commenter said they had learned to immediately inform drivers whenever they felt unwell, adding that many drivers would adjust their driving once they knew a passenger was feeling sick.
Others described the sensation as being “worse than riding a horse”, while some joked that it felt as though the vehicle was being driven using a computer keyboard.
Large numbers of netizens appeared to agree that the constant acceleration and deceleration, even when the vehicle was maintaining a relatively stable speed, could create an unpleasant rocking motion for passengers.
Many Shared Similar Experiences
Several users explained that the issue was not necessarily related to speeding or dangerous driving.
Instead, they pointed to the repeated pressing and releasing of the accelerator pedal, which can cause the vehicle to continuously surge forward and slow down slightly.
Passengers sitting in the rear seats are often more sensitive to these movements, especially those who already suffer from motion sickness.
Some commenters suggested that certain drivers may believe this technique helps improve fuel efficiency, while others felt it was simply a driving habit developed over many years.
A number of passengers also noted that similar behaviour can occasionally be observed among bus drivers, particularly in heavy traffic conditions where frequent speed adjustments are required.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism.
A few users argued that the video did not clearly show excessive jerking and questioned whether the passenger was genuinely feeling unwell or simply seeking attention online.
Others pointed out that professional drivers often spend long hours on the road and may develop habits aimed at reducing fatigue or improving fuel consumption.
Calls For Smoother Driving
The discussion eventually shifted towards ride quality, with many commuters saying smooth acceleration and braking are among the most important qualities of a good driver.
Several netizens encouraged passengers to provide positive ratings and tips to drivers who demonstrate excellent driving techniques, arguing that good service should be recognised.
As the debate continued, one thing became clear: while most passengers focus on reaching their destination safely, the journey itself can make a significant difference to overall comfort.
For those prone to motion sickness, even small and repeated changes in speed can turn an ordinary trip into an unpleasant experience.