Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about joining a client kick-off call from my car while driving to my home town on a Friday evening, losing the signal at the moment my team had to ask questions, and stopping by the road to continue. I have rewritten it into advice on taking work calls while travelling.
On a Friday evening I was assigned two bids. One needed estimates from the delivery team; the other had a very short turnaround, and on the first call I had to share our questions with the client. I was planning to drive to my home town that evening. The call was first set for early evening and then moved later at the last minute. I joined from the car, and the introductions went fine. When my team's turn came to raise questions, the reception failed, and I pulled over to the side of the road. The delivery expert, who had joined, raised the questions, and I added a couple to show I was present.
Should you take a work call while driving?
It is safer not to. Even hands-free calls divide attention, and a client call needs your full concentration. Using a hand-held phone while driving is also an offence under Indian traffic law. If a call cannot move, stop somewhere safe before it starts.
How do you prepare when you must travel during a call?
- Send your questions in writing first: so someone else can raise them if you drop.
- Brief a colleague: ask them to cover your part if you lose signal.
- Check coverage on the route: plan to stop in a town with good signal.
- Dial in by phone: a voice call is more stable than a video link on the road.
What if the call is moved at the last minute?
Say that you are travelling and ask whether it can move to Monday, or whether a colleague can lead it. Most clients prefer a clear arrangement to a poor connection.
What did I learn from it?
That a written list of questions saved the call, not my presence. Preparation is portable; a signal on a highway is not.