I feel out of place on Vietnam's roads because I follow traffic rules

Reckless driving, lane-swerving, and constant rule-breaking have created a challenging and frustrating environment for those of us who try to drive responsibly.

I remain calm and patient, keeping to my lane and maintaining a safe distance, even in heavy traffic. If everyone followed traffic rules, I believe traffic would flow more smoothly, even if it slowed down momentarily. However, the reality is often disheartening.

Whenever I slow down and maintain a safe gap from the vehicle ahead, motorbikes immediately cut in, taking every available space to push ahead. They crowd into these gaps until the road becomes completely clogged.

Heavy traffic jam in Hanoi, Jan. 29, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

I frequently witness motorbike lanes filled with congestion. Yet instead of waiting in line, many motorbike riders take to the sidewalks, speeding past everyone else. At intersections, they flood back onto the road, blocking turn lanes and preventing vehicles from moving, even when the light turns green. What starts as a minor bottleneck quickly escalates into a full-blown traffic jam.

Meanwhile, I inch forward patiently, waiting through two or three light cycles, only to find myself still stuck in the same gridlock. It is frustrating to see those who follow the rules punished by delays while reckless drivers seem to get ahead.

From my observations, car drivers in Vietnam tend to adhere to traffic rules more consistently, while many motorbike riders prioritize convenience over lawfulness. This imbalance creates a chaotic dynamic. Motorbikes, being smaller and more maneuverable, are more prone to breaking traffic rules. Combine this with a lack of driver education, poor traffic awareness, and insufficient enforcement, and the result is a culture of reckless driving.

Traffic police face the overwhelming challenge of managing countless violators. Even with efforts to restore order, the sheer volume of rule-breaking makes enforcement feel like a losing battle.

Staying calm in such a system requires constant effort. The daily encounters with rule-breaking can wear down even the most patient drivers. It is no surprise that some eventually abandon their principles and adopt aggressive driving habits just to keep up with the crowd.

Unfortunately, these habits only deepen the chaos on Vietnam's roads. Many drivers act out of a fear of missing out—rushing to gain even the smallest advantage, get to their destination faster, or avoid being left behind. This mindset fuels a vicious cycle of lane-cutting, speeding, and ignoring traffic rules.

Can Vietnam achieve orderly traffic like in other countries? The answer lies in our collective willingness to change. Only by letting go of the relentless pursuit of personal convenience and working together can we create a safer, more organized traffic system for everyone.