I wish my husband would stop driving like a maniac

We live in Hanoi and drive to work every day. Our office is about 15 kilometers from home, so my husband takes the wheel while I sit in the passenger seat, watching his every move.

To make it to work by 8 a.m., we leave at 6:30. But the roads are packed, and morning congestion often stretches our commute longer than expected. Even when we set out early, getting to work on time is not always guaranteed.

The real issue is my husband's driving. He rarely takes it slow, always looking for ways to get ahead. He zigzags between lanes, flashes his lights, and honks at slower cars to make them move.

A man is driving his car. Illustration photo by Pexels

One morning, fed up with his antics, I finally yelled, "Why are you driving like a maniac? If you're in such a hurry, you shouldn't be driving at all!"

He shot back, "If I don't, how are we ever going to get to work?"

I get it—if we don't hurry, we might be late. But reckless driving isn't the answer. I've told him many times that leaving earlier would make the commute less stressful and far safer. He refuses—he'd rather sleep in.

When I traveled to Europe for work, I saw a stark contrast in driving habits. Despite the number of cars, drivers remained calm. No one cut lanes or sped past others. Even in heavy traffic, they waited their turn. The roads stayed orderly, and conflicts were rare.

Back in Vietnam, many people drive like my husband. Sitting inside the car, I find it frustrating. Imagine how much worse it is for the motorcyclists around us. Many glare at us in irritation, and I don't blame them, especially with how many car drivers act on the road. No wonder motorbike riders dislike car drivers.

Lately, road rage has been on the rise, exposing how short-tempered Vietnamese drivers can be. Many are impatient, prioritizing their own needs and letting frustration dictate their driving. When a collision happens, tempers flare instantly.

Fixing Vietnam's traffic problems will take time, but drivers can change their habits now. If the roads are packed, leaving earlier and driving patient is far better than forcing your way through. Every commute doesn't have to be a race.