What began as a casual early-morning conversation during a cab ride in Pune turned into a thought-provoking lesson on road etiquette and public responsibility for startup founder Vik Gambhir.
Sharing the experience on LinkedIn, Gambhir recalled chatting with his cab driver during a 4 am journey through the city’s relatively empty streets. The discussion took an unexpected turn when the driver claimed that India’s traffic problems had a surprisingly simple solution.
A lesson from 11 years behind the wheel
The driver revealed that he had spent 11 years working as an ambulance driver. Drawing from that experience, he suggested that everyone applying for a driving licence should spend at least a week driving an ambulance.
According to him, such an experience would help people understand the urgency and pressure involved in transporting critically ill patients through congested roads.
Traffic is not always just an inconvenience
The former ambulance driver described situations where every second mattered. He spoke about carrying patients struggling to breathe while worried family members waited anxiously in the back.
He also recalled frequently encountering motorists who refused to give way, blocked intersections, parked carelessly or even attempted to overtake ambulances to save a few seconds.
For those behind the wheel of an ambulance, he explained, traffic is not merely an inconvenience—it can be the difference between life and death.
A message that resonated online
Gambhir said the driver’s observation left him reflecting on how people perceive road discipline and civic responsibility.
The entrepreneur noted that spending time driving an ambulance might teach road users more about empathy, patience and responsible driving than conventional driving tests.
His post has since resonated with many social media users, who agreed that greater awareness about emergency vehicles could improve road safety and potentially save lives.
Beyond traffic rules
The story has sparked wider discussions about public behaviour on roads and the importance of giving priority to emergency services.
For many readers, the driver’s simple yet powerful message served as a reminder that behind every ambulance siren is someone fighting for precious time.