Slow drivers are blocking Vietnam's expressways

For my first road trip in Australia, I rented an MG and drove 1,000 km from Sydney to Brisbane in around 10 hours, including stops for gas, coffee and lunch.

I've also enjoyed many road trips in the U.S. and Canada where most drivers maintain proper speeds on the road and do not block traffic.

From those trips, I realized that when drivers comply with regulations, they not only ensure road safety but also comfortable driving for everyone on the road.

One of the most important rules is that slow drivers should keep to the right lane. This is an axiom learned by heart by drivers in most countries that follow U.S. traffic standards, including in Asia and Europe.

It is the left lane for countries like Australia and Thailand that follow U.K. standards.

On the autobahn in Germany even super cars driving at 300 kph always keep to the right side of the road, leaving the left lanes empty for drivers who want to overtake them. Drivers who occupy the left side and prevent others from overtaking them are fined.

Vehicles on La Son - Tuy Loan Expressway in central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong

I don't think this rule is strictly followed in Vietnam and drivers should be reminded of this more effectively.

In other countries, I’ve seen signs saying "Slower traffic keep right", "Slower traffic keep left" or "Left lane for passing only" placed along highways.

I've never seen those signs in Vietnam, although traffic regulations stipulate that those blocking others by driving slowly will be fined VND400,000-600,000 (US$16.40-24.60).

Many drivers in Vietnam are not aware of how much they bother other drivers. You can drive as slowly as you want, within the minimum speed of course, but please move to the right to give space for others to pass.

Slow drivers occupying all lanes really make Vietnamese expressways unsafe and ineffective.

While Vietnam's infrastructure is still incomplete, raising drivers' awareness will help improve safety and the travel experience, especially on the crowded roads during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.

*Anh Nguyen is a businessman.