Earlier this week, Manali, the scenic hill station in Himachal Pradesh, welcomed its first snowfall of the season, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. While the snowfall enchanted tourists, it also brought to light the hidden dangers associated with driving on snow-covered roads.
A viral Instagram video, which has amassed over 24 million views, captured the perilous conditions on the region’s icy roads. In the footage, vehicles can be seen losing control and skidding, with one car narrowly avoiding a deadly plunge into a gorge. The video sparked widespread concern and debate on social media about road safety and precautions during snowfall.
Viewers of the viral video voiced concerns over the lack of proper safety measures in place for snowy driving conditions. One user pointed out that many European countries mandate snow tyres or chains, urging India to adopt similar precautions. Others lamented the lack of salt treatment on the roads, which could have helped in reducing the danger posed by the icy surface.
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The snowfall led to major disruptions across Himachal Pradesh. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 87 roads, including the Atal Tunnel-Leh National Highway near Rohtang Pass, were closed. The upper Shimla region also faced traffic blockages, and more than 800 people in 490 vehicles were stranded in Lahaul due to heavy snow. Fortunately, authorities managed to rescue all stranded travellers by Sunday evening.
The snowfall also led to a tragic accident in the Lahaul-Spiti district. A 49-year-old tourist from Delhi lost his life after his car skidded on the icy road while attempting to overtake other stranded vehicles. The car collided with a parked tipper, resulting in the fatality, while three other passengers were injured in the crash.
In response to the rising number of accidents, authorities have issued safety guidelines for travellers in snow-covered areas. They are urging drivers to use snow chains on their tyres, maintain low speeds, and avoid overtaking other vehicles in icy conditions. These precautions are seen as essential to preventing further accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
While the first snowfall of the season has attracted tourists to Manali, it has also served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with winter travel. Visitors are being advised to plan their trips carefully, prioritise safety, and stay updated on weather conditions before venturing into snow-covered regions.
The tragic accident and the viral video have sparked crucial discussions on road safety and the need for better infrastructure to handle winter conditions in popular tourist destinations like Manali.
