A video showing a car struggling to navigate a steep hairpin bend in Uttarakhand has gone viral on social media, igniting a fierce debate about the state of driving education in India. The clip, filmed on a mountain road in the Himalayan state, shows the vehicle repeatedly failing to make the sharp turn, with its wheels slipping and the car ultimately getting stuck on the edge of the road.
Viral Video Captures Dangerous Maneuver
The footage, which has been shared widely on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, shows the driver attempting to reverse and then move forward on the narrow, winding road. The car's tires can be seen spinning on loose gravel, and at one point, the vehicle appears to hang precariously over the edge of the bend. The video has amassed over 2 million views within 24 hours, according to social media analytics.
Many viewers expressed shock at the driver's apparent lack of skill, with some noting that the car's positioning suggested poor judgment and inadequate training. "This is exactly why we need stricter driving tests and better driving schools in India," one Twitter user commented.
Driving Schools Under Fire
The incident has renewed calls for reform in India's driver training system. According to a 2023 report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 80% of driving schools in India are unregulated, and many provide substandard training. The report also noted that India accounts for 11% of global road traffic deaths, with driver error being a leading cause.
"Our driving schools focus more on passing the test than on teaching real-world skills, especially for challenging terrains like mountain roads," said Ravi Shankar, a road safety expert based in Dehradun. "This video is a stark reminder of the gaps in our training system."
Uttarakhand's Dangerous Roads
Uttarakhand, known for its mountainous terrain and narrow roads, sees frequent accidents involving vehicles not accustomed to steep gradients and sharp bends. Local authorities have previously urged tourists to hire experienced local drivers, but many continue to drive themselves. The state recorded over 1,200 road accidents in 2025, with 15% occurring on hairpin bends, according to the Uttarakhand Police.
In response to the viral video, the Uttarakhand Transport Department announced a review of driving test standards for hilly areas. "We are considering mandatory training for driving on slopes and hairpin bends before issuing licenses in mountainous regions," said Transport Commissioner Anil Kumar.
Public Reaction and Calls for Change
The video has sparked a wider conversation about road safety and driver education in India. Many social media users shared their own experiences of near-misses on mountain roads, while others called for a national overhaul of driving school curricula. A Change.org petition demanding stricter regulation of driving schools has garnered over 50,000 signatures since the video went viral.
"It's not just about passing a test; it's about saving lives," said Meera Joshi, a driving instructor in Nainital. "We need to teach drivers how to handle emergencies, steep gradients, and narrow roads. The current system is failing us."
The driver of the stuck car has not been identified, but local police confirmed that no injuries were reported. The car was eventually towed away by a rescue team.
