Editor’s note: Tuan Lan, a reader, has recently expressed their viewpoint to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper regarding the issue of yielding to pedestrians in Vietnam.

Even experienced drivers commit this common violation -- either failing to yield to pedestrians or mistakenly assuming they have done so when they have not in reality.

In mid-January, news of a traffic accident in Dai Nghia Town, My Duc District, Hanoi left me in shock, highlighting the frequent occurrence of such a tragic situation in Vietnam.

A pedestrian crossed the street where no crosswalks were present, while a truck made a turn at what seemed to be an excessive speed and without proper attention. The pedestrian died at the scene.

While the conclusion of the investigation into this case is still pending, controversy has arisen regarding whether to give way to walkers crossing the street outside designated crosswalks.

Some argue that the responsibility lies entirely with the pedestrian, who entered the driver’s blind spot and crossed the street incorrectly. 

Others contend that drivers should only give in to strollers that are in their designated areas. 

However, I disagree with this perspective for two reasons.

The 2008 [currently effective] road traffic law clearly stipulates that “in the presence of crosswalks, drivers are required to carefully observe, reduce speed, and yield to pedestrians and disabled individuals in wheelchairs crossing the street."

"In areas lacking crosswalks, drivers must remain vigilant; upon spotting walkers or disabled individuals in wheelchairs crossing the street, they are obligated to slow down and yield to ensure safety for the pedestrians and wheelchair users,” according to the law.

Hence, irrespective of whether the walker is correct or not, the driver must consistently observe and give way to the former.

The second issue, which often goes overlooked, is the apparent absence of a genuine pedestrian right-of-way concept in Vietnam, even when the walkers are following the correct path. 

As a frequent bus commuter and pedestrian, I keenly experience this phenomenon. 

Crossing the road, even at crosswalks with pedestrian signals, feels like a precarious wager with my life. 

I find myself glancing sideways, signaling with my hand, and adapting to traffic conditions rather than relying on traffic signals.

What prompted such behavior from me?

Several situations illustrate the challenges pedestrians face:

- At red lights, some cars park directly on the crosswalk, compelling me to traverse the unmarked road and suddenly become a rule breaker.

- While most cars stop at red lights, many attempt to proceed, especially when the green light transitions to red, with some vehicles intentionally running the red lights.

- During turns, vehicles seldom yield to pedestrians. If I casually cross the street according to the traffic signal, there is a risk of getting hit.

At times, I find myself needing to pause and wait for the traffic to subside. As I resume walking, the pedestrian signal turns red, and the vehicles start to advance. Once again, I find myself labeled as a rule breaker.

Strollers like me would not be forced into this reluctant role if cars and motorbikes consistently yielded the right of way.

What does it mean to give way to walkers? 

It involves actively slowing down and observing when approaching crosswalks, irrespective of whether there are individuals crossing or not. 

The driver’s responsibility begins upon sighting the crosswalks, not necessarily pedestrians.

Unlike pedestrians who move, crosswalks remain stationary, visible from a distance, and should not be used as an excuse for blind spots. 

When a person is seen crossing or intending to cross the street, the driver should put the vehicle to a complete stop, rather than maneuvering around and assuming that as the act of giving way.

Even on roads lacking clear crosswalks, drivers must remain vigilant and anticipate pedestrians crossing.

During my first overseas trip, out of habit, I preemptively gave way to approaching cars (where there were no traffic lights or crosswalks as cars tended to turn right). 

To my surprise, they stopped. 

Initially perplexed, I continued waiting for one of the cars to pass, but it remained stationary. 

Neither that car nor the ones behind honked to prompt my movement. 

It was only when I crossed the street that they resumed driving. 

It was then that I realized this was a genuine practice of giving way to pedestrians.

If all drivers [in Vietnam] adopted this approach, tragic situations like the traffic accident in My Duc District, in my opinion, would be significantly reduced.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!