I regret reminding a driver not to flick cigarette ash in public

That day, I was riding my motorbike under the scorching sun, trying to stay composed amid the honking and suffocating heat. Traffic was jammed, everyone was tired and irritable. As I slowly made my way forward, a man in a pickup truck next to me casually lit a cigarette, puffed away, and flicked the ash out his window.

He was about 40, wearing sunglasses. The smoke and ash, carried by the wind, hit me directly. I frowned, annoyed but still patient. But after several more puffs, I'd had enough. I pulled up beside him and said loudly, "If you're going to smoke, don't throw the ash on the road. Everyone else has to breathe it in."

He turned, glanced at me behind his dark glasses, and smirked.

A car driver holds a burning cigarette. Illustration photo by Unsplash/Rupinder Singh

I was already irritated, and his sneer only deepened my frustration. I muttered to myself: "What kind of person just disregards others like that? Does he think owning a car makes him above everyone else?"

Moments later, he caught up to me. Without warning, he took a deep drag and flicked the half-lit cigarette straight at me. It brushed my shoulder, leaving a small burn mark. I was stunned, nearly losing control of my bike.

Then, he glared and snarled: "If you don't like it, stay away. Is this your road? You looking for trouble?"

I froze. My heart was pounding. I wanted to say something back, but I was alone, a young woman in the middle of the road, surrounded by cars, none of which stopped or seemed to care. I quickly apologized and pulled away, shaken.

That night, I couldn't stop replaying the moment. Was I wrong to speak up? Should people who try to be civil always be the ones who suffer?

I didn't report him. I had no video evidence, no name, just the sinking feeling of helplessness. Ever since, I've seen plenty of people smoking while driving, still tossing their ashes and butts into the street. But now I hesitate to say anything. For my safety.

The recent incident in southern Vietnam, where a man kicked a female motorbike taxi driver after she reminded him not to litter toothpicks, sparked outrage online. It resonated deeply with me. These are not isolated events. Acts of aggression in response to basic reminders about decency have become disturbingly common.

If we truly want a more civil society, it can't rest on the shoulders of one person risking harm to speak up. It will take many voices, and strong consequences, to push back against this rising culture of aggression.

I hope the man that kicked the woman driver receives a harsh sentence. Not out of vengeance, but to restore public confidence that civility still matters, and violence won't be tolerated.