I can't stand breathing in cigarette smoke at red lights

Every time I drive, I become more frustrated with people smoking in public, especially in traffic.

Since Vietnam implemented Decree 168 on heavier traffic fines at the beginning of this year, drivers have become more mindful of traffic laws. People follow the rules better, and there's less reckless lane-cutting. It's a positive change. But there's another problem—people smoking while driving, choking other drivers near them with smoke.

At red lights, I often end up choking on cigarette smoke from those beside me. Young and old drivers alike light up their cigarettes without hesitation. In HCMC's scorching heat, inhaling vehicle exhaust, dust, and cigarette smoke all at once is unbearable.

A person holds a lit cigarette. Illustration photo by Pexels

I sometimes have to change lanes just to escape these smokers. Worse, many of them flick cigarette butts onto the road, sending embers flying at those driving behind them. Some even spit. More than once, I've narrowly avoided being hit by these hazards.

I know I'm not the only one disgusted by this.

Society needs to take a stronger stand against public smoking, especially in traffic. Many countries strictly regulate and penalize smoking in public spaces. In Vietnam, however, the issue is largely ignored, forcing people to endure secondhand smoke daily.

Vietnam's cancer rates are alarmingly high, and hospitals struggle to keep up with incoming patients. Even those who lead healthy lives can still develop cancer due to environmental factors—one of them being secondhand smoke from inconsiderate smokers on the road.

Words alone can't fully express my frustration. Personal responsibility matters most in this issue. If someone needs to smoke, they should step aside to a designated smoking area.

But if their habit comes at the expense of others - pregnant women, the elderly, children, or people like me who can't stand cigarette smoke - it's unacceptable.