A viral video showing a man sitting on the bonnet of a moving car to guide the driver through near-zero visibility has sparked widespread concern online, as dense winter fog continues to disrupt travel across parts of North India.

Shared on Instagram, the clip captures a group of men driving through an off-road stretch where visibility is almost nil. With headlights failing to cut through the fog, one person climbs onto the bonnet and begins signalling directions to the driver using hand gestures. A passenger inside the car explains in Hindi that they could not see the turns and decided to use a “human guide” to navigate the road.

The video, which has crossed 11 million views, even includes a tongue-in-cheek reference to the man on the bonnet as “ADAS Level 4,” likening the risky act to advanced driver-assistance technology.

However, viewers were quick to point out the dangers. Many criticised the decision as reckless, noting that the person sitting outside would be at extreme risk in the event of sudden braking, skidding, or a collision. Others highlighted the additional threat posed by freezing temperatures and poor road conditions.

“Accident se pehle thand se mar jaega,” one user commented, while others suggested safer alternatives such as using rear-view cameras or smartphone camera modes, which often perform better in foggy conditions. A few users shared tips on using phone camera settings to improve visibility rather than taking such drastic measures.

While some commenters tried to lighten the mood by calling the man a “human radar,” the overall reaction leaned toward concern, with many urging drivers to avoid dangerous shortcuts and prioritise safety during extreme weather conditions.

The video has reignited discussions about road safety, poor visibility during winter fog, and the need for better awareness rather than risky improvisation when conditions turn hazardous.