Disastrous Accident Averted on Chandigarh–Manali Highway

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A terrifying incident was witnessed by commuters on the Chandigarh–Manali highway after a driver was filmed appearing to be fast asleep while his vehicle cruised at a high speed. In the viral footage, which emerged on January 6, 2026, a white sedan was seen drifting steadily across the lanes at speeds reportedly reaching 100 kmph. The driver appeared completely slumped and unresponsive, leaving the vehicle to be guided only by its own alignment as it traveled through a mountain-bound stretch of the busy route.

Desperate Intervention by Fellow Motorists

A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided thanks to the quick thinking of a passing truck driver who noticed the man’s condition. In the video, the witness is heard repeatedly sounding a loud air horn and shouting across the lanes in a desperate attempt to rouse the sleeping motorist. Despite the persistent and deafening noise, the driver remained in a deep sleep for several kilometers, his head tilted back while the car continued its dangerous journey through a relatively quiet section of the highway.

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The “Silent Killer” of Driver Fatigue

The incident has been pointed to by road safety advocates as a stark example of the dangers posed by drowsy driving on India’s high-speed corridors. It has been argued by experts that a “micro-sleep” lasting only a few seconds is sufficient to cause catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-ups, especially on winding hilly roads. While the vehicle in the video bore commercial registration plates, it remains unclear whether the driver was operating a private taxi or was under the pressure of a grueling transport schedule.

Calls for Stricter Enforcement of Rest Periods

Following the viral spread of the clip, a wider conversation has been sparked regarding the working conditions of commercial operators and the urgent need for enforced rest periods. It has been noted by safety consultants that fatigue-related driving is often as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Although local police have not yet released a formal statement regarding the identity of the driver or potential negligence charges, the footage serves as a grim reminder for all travelers to prioritize alertness over reaching a destination quickly.