Vietnam's next generation is learning the wrong lessons on the streets

 

 

Vietnam's next generation is learning the wrong lessons on the streets

Phạm luật bất chấp nguy hiểm

The scene caught on dashcam in Hanoi on June 3 is, sadly, nothing new. In the footage, several motorbikes make illegal U-turns on a road clearly marked for one-way traffic. One woman, carrying her young son, slams on the brakes directly in front of an oncoming car, then quickly turns around after spotting traffic police in the distance.

Many people often defend such actions by blaming inconvenient traffic planning. They argue that their homes are far from legal turn points or that the road design is flawed. But in every country, planning is done to serve the majority. It is nearly impossible to create a perfect solution for every individual. The responsibility of citizens is simple: follow the law.

In this case, had the driver with the dashcam not reacted in time, the consequences could have been tragic. The woman might not have considered how close she came to injuring herself or her child. She was lucky this time.

Videos like this appear in my newsfeed almost daily. But this time, I showed it to my five-year-old son and tried to explain the situation. His response startled me: "When you see traffic police, do you have to run away, Dad?"

That question cut deep. What kind of view will that little boy on the back of the motorbike grow up to have toward the law and social responsibility? When children are repeatedly exposed to lawbreaking behavior, especially by their parents, what values are we instilling?

Traffic violations are just one symptom of a broader issue. Many parents invest heavily in their children’s education, driving them from one extra class to another, yet overlook the everyday lessons that matter most. Through small actions like illegal U-turns, we may unknowingly teach our children to cut corners, to act without accountability, and to disregard the rules when convenient.

A child raised with integrity and respect for rules may still face life’s challenges, but a child raised with shortcuts and deceit will likely struggle with trust, responsibility, and inner peace.

Is this truly the future we want for our country?

If so, how many more generations will it take before our streets are orderly and our society truly progresses? This may sound like an exaggeration to some, but I say it with genuine concern: the culture we demonstrate on our roads reflects the values we pass on, and that shapes the nation's future.